The 2012 observation of Constitution Day on Sept. 17 will include engaging educational games, videos, and activities for all ages, and classroom lesson plans for teachers across the country.

The nonprofit Bill of Rights Institute, which educates the public on the Constitution, sponsors the annual observances.

This year, its interactive, www.billofrightsinstitute.org/constitution-day-resources/ – has a new series of seven-minute constitutional principle videos that explore the constitutional principles of separation of powers, limited government, representative government, and the rule of law.

The videos offer visuals from current events, an engaging historical narrative, brief scholar interviews, familiar music, and memorable quotes.

Individual, or team – classroom, family, or workplace can also test their knowledge in the Constitution Duel, a 15-question quiz that challenges players to defend their constitutional honor.

The multiple-choice questions explor four categories; the Constitution, primary source documents, landmark Supreme Court cases, and historic people.

Additional activities include Life Without the Bill of Rights? which explores how life would change without our constitutionally protected rights, and Madison’s Notes are Missing, which allows you to “travel through time” to converse with the Founders and report on the Constitutional Convention.  Through Sept. 23, students and teachers can tune in to the new Constitution Day episode of the National Constitution Center’s free webcast and live chat.

Just in time for the 2012 election, the engaging, interactive lesson traces the history of the American presidency and features a special introduction by ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos who was former adviser and communications director for President Bill Clinton.

Constitutional experts and the institute’s education staff will discuss the importance of a young nation to have an executive branch, and why some people worry about giving it too much power.