From the Declaration to Constitution... You've Come a Long Way, Baby - Wednesday, October 22

Today we discussed the Constitution and how America's republican system of government reflects the values enunciated through the Declaration of Independence.

Recognize that the Constitution is a working, living document. As any nation's constitution does, it influences the life of its citizens daily, as the Supreme Court applies and interprets the meaning of this document.

America's constitution is actually a remarkably brief document and despite the Declaration of Independence's exhortations that Americans have a right to change the form of their government as they see fit and to suit their purposes, the Constitution has undergone only sixteen amendments since the Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments) was added in 1791.

Here is a general overview of the Bill of Rights:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Bill_of_Rights

Here is a general overview of the Second Amendment right to bear arms, which we have discussed at some length.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution

Much of the rest of the Constitution dealing with checks and balances and the roles of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches has been covered in class previously through our study of the political system.

Please read the remaining three short Articles (5, 6, and 7) as found at the site below:

http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst.html