Presidents Day, Monday, February 17

The National Constitution Center celebrates Presidents Day with educational resources and events exploring Article II of the Constitution, the role of the executive branch, and the individuals who have held the office of the president throughout American history.

If you are incorporating this civic holiday into your lessons, here are some selections from our Constitution 101 curriculum to explore:

• Teacher-led curriculum:
• Module 8: The Presidency and Executive Power
• Activity Guide: How does the presidency work?

• Student-led course videos:
• How did George Washington shape the presidency?
• What was the founders’ vision for the presidency?
• How has the president’s power grown over time?

If you are in the Philadelphia area, join us at the Center for in-person events on February 17 including a Kids Town Hall: Meet the Presidents, presidential costume contest, presidential trivia, and more.

Article II in the News

President Trump’s Executive Orders

Since January 20, 2025, President Trump has issued dozens of executive orders, several of which have attracted legal challenges. Steve Vladeck of Georgetown University Law Center and Gary Schmitt of the American Enterprise Institute join Jeffrey Rosen to parse the flurry of executive orders and preview the lawsuits they face.

Can a president refuse to spend funds approved by Congress?

“Shortly after President Donald Trump took office, his administration briefly paused federal spending on various programs. Although that spending has been restored, the move led to questions about the separation of powers between the president and Congress.”

Defining the president’s constitutional powers to issue executive orders

“Among the most powerful tools available to the president are executive orders, which are written policy directives issued by the president with much of the same power as federal law. However, such orders are not explicitly defined in the Constitution and rest on historical practice, executive interpretations, and court decisions.”

Constitution Valentine's Day Cards

Roses are red, violets are blue, we love the Constitution and know you do too!

Don’t forget to download our free printable Constitution-themed valentines, and encourage your colleagues and students to share them with friends on Valentine’s Day!

You’re Invited: Events in February

🗓️ Scholar Exchanges: Schedule an Exchange

In February, featured topics include: Civil Rights and Liberties and Civil War and Reconstruction.

🗓️ Civic Stories: Schedule a Story

Choose a story theme from constitutional topics that best align with what you are teaching.

🗓️ America’s Town Hall: Reconstruction and the Constitution: A Historical Perspective

Monday, February 10 | 9:45-11:45 a.m. ET

The National Constitution Center and the Federal Judicial Center convene leading historians for conversations on Reconstruction and the Constitution.

🗓️ Monthly Professional Learning: Equality in the Constitution

Wednesday, February 19 | 6:30–8 p.m. ET

During this session, participants will explore the 14th Amendment and the battles for equality in America.

Opportunities From Our Partners

Civil War Museum of Philadelphia 2025 Student Essay Contest

High school students are invited to submit essays covering any subject related to the American Civil War era from Fort Sumter (April 1861) to Appomattox (April 1865). The winner will receive $1,500, and an honorable mention will receive $500. Share the essay contest with your students. Essays are due February 17.

Apply for the WHYY Media Lab Program

WHYY’s Media Labs program is a media instruction partnership with the School District of Philadelphia and other schools located in the Philadelphia region, South Jersey and Delaware. Learn more about the program and submit an application for the 2025-26 school year by Friday, February 21.

Civic Learning Week, March 10-14

Join educators, administrators, and schools nationwide in energizing the movement for civic education during Civic Learning Week. Explore the Educator Toolkit to find ways to engage virtually or in-person.

Connect With Us

Constitution 101 | Professional Learning | Virtual Student Programs | Events Calendar 

About the National Constitution Center’s Educational Resources 

The National Constitution Center provides K-12 curriculum, professional learning, and student programs that make constitutional education engaging and relevant. Learn more at: constitutioncenter.org/education.

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