Don't Know Much About

The U.S. Constitution

By Russ Gifford

The emphasis in this discussion is on the document itself. What DOES it say?

Traditionally, when talking about the Constitution, we spend our time telling the stories of the creation, the changes from the Articles of Confederation, and the compromises necessary to finally agree on a Constitution. These stories are important, and enlightening, and as intended, uplifting. It is an amazing achievement and has survived those who would destroy it for over 200 years.

When we were young, it was said the reason the United States led the world was because the Constitution was a 'living document' and could change with the times.

Ironically, though, since 1980 the discussions and arguments focus on the Founders' original intent.

For example - for more than two decades - during the time of the Founders - the idea of using Federal government money for transportation projects was deemed totally outside the scope of the Constitution. And yet, if each state is a supreme power to itself - how do you build a bridge between two states? How does the Railroad get built? Or the Interstate system?

This session will explore what is and what is not written into the Constitution. This time we will see not only the original reasoning, but the CHANGES as the times changed - and the results.