For anyone who has taken a trip to the National Archives to see the U.S. Constitution encased in inches of glass in the dimmest of light, the impact the document continues to have on Americans’ everyday life seems just out of reach. But as the oldest and shortest written constitution of any government in the world, the U.S. Constitution is a hallmark of modern political development.
This week The Policy Circle was pleased to publish our newest brief: The U.S. Constitution. This latest addition to The Policy Circle’s brief library revisits the origins and basic framework of the Constitution, reminding us of how this great American experiment could easily have failed; and considers the tensions among the framers as they deliberated the fledgling nation’s government and future, highlighting the difficulty of striking a delicate balance between federal power and state authority.
In addressing the Constitution’s meaning in the 21st century, this brief places the document in the context of the debates occurring in today’s courts and civil society, from a bill for a National Popular Vote that has been passed in 16 states, to federal classification for marijuana, which has been legalized in 28 states. Returning to the foundational basics of our government is key not only to understanding what these debates mean and how their outcomes affect all citizens, but also to ensuring active participation in these debates for our generation and those to come.
Schools that receive federal funding celebrate National Constitution Day with classroom activities each September to engage with students on the importance of the document, but you don’t need to be a student or teacher to learn about or refresh your understanding of the document that frames our government: You can revisit the Constitution’s origins in the Constitution Brief.
The Constitution Brief addresses many of the current areas of debate, including between the power of the states and the federal government. As you explore the brief, here are some questions to consider:
- Do you feel that the Constitution as written by the founding fathers holds up to the challenges of modern day?
- Do you feel it is important to balance the power of the states and the federal government?
- Do you feel that the Constitution as written by the founding fathers holds up to the challenges of modern day?
- Do you feel it is important to balance the power of the states and the federal government?
Here at the Policy Circle, we’re honoring the Constitution all week – and on through November at the 4th Annual Policy Circle Leadership Summit. Want to continue the conversation with us? Register today!
