Constitution Day
The Macomb County Bar Foundation believes that educating students, adults and life long learners about the Constitution is critical to our community and nation. This marvelous document laid the foundation for the most stable government in the world. It is a living document that operates in our everyday lives. The genius of U.S. Constitution has resulted in over 100 other countries using it as a model for their own.
The Macomb County Bar Foundation plans to celebrate Constitution Day (September 17th) every year through community based educational programs that address the myriad aspects of this unique and special document.
What is the program about?
Encouraging civil discussion and debate about the meaning of some of the Constitution's concepts and clauses that have been the subject of ongoing constitutional debates.
What are the program's topics?
These conversations are organized around constitutional clauses or concepts that explore aspects of constitutional principles and interpretation and American law from both historical and contemporary perspectives. The conversation topic pages contain issues to be explored and conversation starters to aid you in beginning your discussions. Topics include:
• The Preamble
• Cruel and unusual punishment
• War powers
• Separation of powers
• The advice and consent of the Senate
• An establishment of religion
• Unreasonable searches and seizures
• The Right to Bear Arms
What are the program's objectives?
One of the characteristics of a constitutional democracy is tolerance. Another is that people of good will come together to discuss their differences. Since the founding of our country, people have come together to discuss the Constitution and its meaning. Conversations on the Constitution will carry on this tradition. By considering the meaning of constitutional concepts and clauses in their historical and contemporary context, Americans can gain perspective on how we might respond to changing conditions and circumstances, appreciate the significance of our constitutional principles, and better understand the complex legal issues facing our nation.
Each year beginning in 2005, educational institutions receiving federal funds will hold educational programs about the Constitution on September 17-Constitution Day. The authorizing legislation, sponsored by Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV), also requires federal agencies to hold Constitution programs on Constitution Day.
Who can participate in the program?
We encourage Americans from all walks of life to participate openly in constructive conversations that advance civil discussion. To this end, we have prepared "how to information" to aid in planning conversations in schools and conversations in the workplace. The conversation starters and focus questions are appropriate for middle and high school students and adults.
The Macomb County Bar Foundation plans to celebrate Constitution Day (September 17th) every year through community based educational programs that address the myriad aspects of this unique and special document.
What is the program about?
Encouraging civil discussion and debate about the meaning of some of the Constitution's concepts and clauses that have been the subject of ongoing constitutional debates.
What are the program's topics?
These conversations are organized around constitutional clauses or concepts that explore aspects of constitutional principles and interpretation and American law from both historical and contemporary perspectives. The conversation topic pages contain issues to be explored and conversation starters to aid you in beginning your discussions. Topics include:
• The Preamble
• Cruel and unusual punishment
• War powers
• Separation of powers
• The advice and consent of the Senate
• An establishment of religion
• Unreasonable searches and seizures
• The Right to Bear Arms
What are the program's objectives?
One of the characteristics of a constitutional democracy is tolerance. Another is that people of good will come together to discuss their differences. Since the founding of our country, people have come together to discuss the Constitution and its meaning. Conversations on the Constitution will carry on this tradition. By considering the meaning of constitutional concepts and clauses in their historical and contemporary context, Americans can gain perspective on how we might respond to changing conditions and circumstances, appreciate the significance of our constitutional principles, and better understand the complex legal issues facing our nation.
Each year beginning in 2005, educational institutions receiving federal funds will hold educational programs about the Constitution on September 17-Constitution Day. The authorizing legislation, sponsored by Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV), also requires federal agencies to hold Constitution programs on Constitution Day.
Who can participate in the program?
We encourage Americans from all walks of life to participate openly in constructive conversations that advance civil discussion. To this end, we have prepared "how to information" to aid in planning conversations in schools and conversations in the workplace. The conversation starters and focus questions are appropriate for middle and high school students and adults.