Why One Congressman Is Tweeting Out the Whole Constitution

By Kirsten Appleton September 17, 2014

(Dieter Spears/Getty Images)

Today is the U.S. Constitution's 227th birthday, celebrated as a federal holiday called Constitution Day. Instead of boring you with a history lesson, re-learn about it by watching this short educational Schoolhouse Rock video.

Now take a look at how some lawmakers are celebrating Constitution Day 2014.

Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, 81, made us all feel out of shape when the Republican tweeted a picture this morning after running over 6 miles from his house to the Capitol, in a shirt that says "Rural Power."

California Rep. Darrell Issa tweeted the entire Constitution. Article I alone was over 130 tweets, and took over an hour to type and send. The Republican probably lost some followers along the way, too.

Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., who hilariously live-tweeted his visit to the hospital last week, responded to Issa's idea with an easier way to read the Constitution in full:

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy's office handed out pocket-sized Constitutions to community members in California.

Sen. Tom Carper of Delaware, a Democrat, tipped his hat to Sen. Robert Byrd, who passed the bill founding the holiday 10 years ago.

Kansas state Rep. Jim Ward spent the day speaking to classes of eighth-graders, a task the Democrat called "exhausting."

The White House tweeted this photo of President Obama, along with a news release about the day. "As we celebrate our Nation's strong and durable framework, we are reminded that our work is never truly done," Obama said. "Let us renew our commitment to these sacred principles and resolve to advance their spirit in our time."