Constitution and Citizenship Day or, Do My Job For Me

[stuckinlucky]

I work in the Provost's Office of a medium-sized arts and media college, and my boss (The Provost) has asked me to come up with some ideas about the federally mandated "Constitution and Citizenship Day" on September 17th. Byrd inserted language into an appropriations act earlier this year requiring college's to do this, but the bill gives significant latitude. I've come up with a few ideas, but I'd be interested in hearing what DUer's have to say.

The ideas probably shouldn't be overtly political, but when the subject is the Constitution, politics can't be avoided entirely.

One angle I've been considering is an examination of how and why we limit the freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution. For example: the classic "fire in a crowded theatre" is considered an appropriate limitation on free speech. What are some other areas in which the government enforces appropriate limitations on constitutional rights and (more importantly) how do we determine when limitations cross the line?

Another idea is to examine the question of whether the rights and freedoms in the constitution are limited to Americans, or are they universal human rights and freedoms. This question is particularly important in light of the abuses under the Patriot Act - We are currently holding people without trials, public presentation of evidence, legal representation, etc. and justifying it in part because they aren't Americans. Does pure accident of birth negate an individual's rights?

The whole idea is to engage the campus (faculty and students) in a discourse on the Constitution and what it means to a free society. Questions are more important than answers.

These are just a few of mine, what are some of yours?

[stuckinlucky]

1. Self Kick

I'd really like to get some response on this, and it was only on page one for about 90 seconds. I at least want it to have a fighting chance.

[Greyhound]

2. How the sections and amendments have been mis-used, controversial...

interpretations. Show how it is a document that is subject social bias (Dred v. Scott, Plessy v. Ferguson)? 14th amendment being used almost exclusively for corporations instead of human beings? :shrug:

[stuckinlucky]

4. Thanks for the feedback

That's a good way to show the fluidity of the document and it's various interpretations over time.

[blm]

3. here's a link to a great website that encourages proactive Citizenship Day

http://www.americalivefree.org

[stuckinlucky]

5. The link's not working for me

Am I doing something wrong?

[blm]

6. Just tried many ways to get there, myself. Then I found thru google it was

linked by many other sites and some alleging it as a "dissident" site..

Looks like somehow it got taken down. Too bad. It was GREAT and would have helped you tremendously.

It had a Don't Tread on Me theme - the Gadsden Flag, which was this nation's original flag before the Stars and Stripes. And lots of great quotes about the Constitution.

[stuckinlucky]

7. Thanks anyway...

I'll try some creative googling and see if I can't bring it up.

[Bucky]

8. There's a curriculum activity called "Shhh- We're Writing a Constitution"

It's geared at middle schoolers, but could easily be adapted for college level interests. The issues involved in the compromises of 1787 are so basic and so subtle that anyone at any level can get wrapped up into them. I think college students doing role playing as different state delegations would be fun, creative, and captivating. You may have to put in a couple of ringers for the New York delegation, however, because of some weird stunts that Hamilton's two colleagues pulled in trying to destroy the convention.