Get ready to celebrate Constitution Day, which marks the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. (It's also observed today as a business holiday.) Of all the literature available to us, the Constitution can provide some of the greatest chills in its stirring opening words: "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union ...

Of course, the meaning of the Constitution's words -- on issues such as states' rights, free speech and privacy -- has been debated for more than two centuries. And these days, the polarization in Washington and around the nation has sparked fresh debate. But that shouldn't be a surprise, because even as the document was created, the Founding Fathers were making their own compromises.

To celebrate the day, and get a peek at history, you can't do better than a trip to the National Archives in Washington or the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, both of which have terrific online exhibits.