The United States Constitution is an extraordinary document. It protects our rights and freedoms. It outlines the blueprint of our government. And it limits the government’s power through a marvelous system of checks and balances.

But even though its provisions affect our lives every day, most Americans have never read it.

Saturday, September 17 is Constitution Day. It’s a day to recognize our good fortune in living under the system that the Constitution provides. It’s also a day to remember that all of the powers and provisions of the Constitution originate with us ― “We the People.” But most importantly, it’s a day to take a few minutes and read the elegant document that is our Constitution.

Even a brief skim will remind you of the powers we have given our government, for the good of our nation. It will also remind you of the powers our government doesn’t have ― and shouldn’t have. And it will remind you of the document’s simple elegance, and the men who crafted it so long ago.

First and foremost, however, it will remind you of your crucial role in our constitutional system and the critical need for you to keep standing up for your rights and reminding the government of the limits of its power.

So take a moment, pick up or download a copy of the Constitution, and read it. It’s well worth the time.

You can read or download a copy of the Constitution here.