The United States Constitution (1 Viewer)

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Required Reading

 

[Balance]

If anybody post 8th grade hasn't... wow.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

If anybody post 8th grade hasn't... wow.

I can't recall ever reading the entire consititution in high school, and I took lots of college-track and AP courses. We studied it in American Government in college, but if we read it at all in high school, it must have been pretty cursory.Edit: I was thinking about this recently because MT posted someplace that he never studied the constitution in high school. My initial reaction was "wow," but then once I thought about it I realized that I didn't either.

 

[Drunk on Jesus Juice]

If anybody post 8th grade hasn't... wow.

I can't recall ever reading the entire consititution in high school, and I took lots of college-track and AP courses. We studied it in American Government in college, but if we read it at all in high school, it must have been pretty cursory.

Yeah, I don't think I read it until law school.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Yes

 

[Linus Scrimmage]

If anybody post 8th grade hasn't... wow.

The entire thing? um no.Some of it? sure.Why bother reading it now, when Dictator Bush doesn't even care what it says and just changes it at will?

 

[Yankee23Fan]

I collect copies of it and have read them all. I even have it as a favorite click on the IE.

 

[Balance]

If anybody post 8th grade hasn't... wow.

I can't recall ever reading the entire consititution in high school, and I took lots of college-track and AP courses. We studied it in American Government in college, but if we read it at all in high school, it must have been pretty cursory.Edit: I was thinking about this recently because MT posted someplace that he never studied the constitution in high school. My initial reaction was "wow," but then once I thought about it I realized that I didn't either.

8th Grade US History course.Entire first "6-week period" was spent on nothing but the Declaration of Independence/Constitution/Bill of Rights. From there every other year through High School had some type of "cursory" review.Should be a basic in any US History class/course IMHO.

 

[GroveDiesel]

If anybody post 8th grade hasn't... wow.

I can't recall ever reading the entire consititution in high school, and I took lots of college-track and AP courses. We studied it in American Government in college, but if we read it at all in high school, it must have been pretty cursory.Edit: I was thinking about this recently because MT posted someplace that he never studied the constitution in high school. My initial reaction was "wow," but then once I thought about it I realized that I didn't either.

8th Grade US History course.Entire first "6-week period" was spent on nothing but the Declaration of Independence/Constitution/Bill of Rights. From there every other year through High School had some type of "cursory" review.Should be a basic in any US History class/course IMHO.

At one time in the 90s I remember seeing a poll that said that something like 20% of all 9th graders didn't know where Washington DC is. So it shouldn't be a surprise that they're not reading the Constitution.I'm pretty sure that we read it in 8th grade at my school though.

 

[tdoss]

Nope...and neither has George Bush...HEYOOOOO!

 

[Yankee23Fan]

If anybody post 8th grade hasn't... wow.

I can't recall ever reading the entire consititution in high school, and I took lots of college-track and AP courses. We studied it in American Government in college, but if we read it at all in high school, it must have been pretty cursory.Edit: I was thinking about this recently because MT posted someplace that he never studied the constitution in high school. My initial reaction was "wow," but then once I thought about it I realized that I didn't either.

8th Grade US History course.Entire first "6-week period" was spent on nothing but the Declaration of Independence/Constitution/Bill of Rights. From there every other year through High School had some type of "cursory" review.Should be a basic in any US History class/course IMHO.

I had to memorize the Preamble in 5th grade and recite it at an assembly. Ended up memorizing the Bill of Rights as well at one point. In 6th grade I had to memorze the entirty of the opening of the Declaration before the laundry list of complaints. Don't remember doing that one that well though. The 'We Hold These Truths..." part is easy.Also had to memorize the Gettysburg Address for a stage show about American history in 5th grade as well. And the states in alphabetical order - there was even a song for that!. Ok, I'm done ing this one up.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

And the states in alphabetical order - there was even a song for that!.

 

[GroveDiesel]

And the states in alphabetical order - there was even a song for that!.

My wife's kindergartners learn the states because she plays this in the background while they're doing work sometimes. It's amazing what kids can pick up even at that age.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

And the states in alphabetical order - there was even a song for that!.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

The entire thing? No. I've probably read more of it than your average non-lawyer 30 year old.

But reading it without reading the caselaw that goes with it doesn't mean quite as much.

 

[guncrib]

Read it? Here's a story for you.

In 10th grade my Mom decided it might be better if I joined my sisters in catholic school since it wouldnt cost any more. I had to go and one day our History teacher was absent. Since it was a small school (two classes per grade) they didnt feel the need to replace him. They just turned on the intercom to monitor the noise level and wrote on the chalk board to study for the test that we were having next week. Since my class was in History before the other, I decided that just studying wasn't in the best interest of the other class. So I went up to the board and changed the class assignment to "read Chapters 8 & 9 and complete the chapter reviews. Turn in before leaving class"

Buddy of mine in the other class said the whole room was furiously working away at the assignment. This was a Catholic School after all. The next day when the teacher returned he was a bit surprised to find all these papers on his desk and soon got to the cause. When I came in he asked me if I thought what I had done was funny. Since eveyone in my class was laughing when he asked and so was I, I answered yes. He said, How's this for funny? I want the Constitution AND the Amendments handwritten 5 times or you fail this class.

I did it about 3 and a half times and turned it in a few weeks later. He passed me anyway. Thats not the end of the story tho.

The next year I was back in Public Schools (another story), and I had American Government. I aced the class.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

The entire thing? No. I've probably read more of it than your average non-lawyer 30 year old.But reading it without reading the caselaw that goes with it doesn't mean quite as much.

I disagree. It means more.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Try reading it again and then look how often we tread on it. Quite sad...

 

[tdoss]

And the states in alphabetical order - there was even a song for that!.

I heard it once and it has never left me...

Pa-Pa-Pa-Pa-Pumps your blood!

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Try reading it again and then look how often we tread on it. Quite sad...

If it is indeed a "living" document then it's dying a death by a thousand cuts.(P.S. It's NOT a living document - literally or figuratively.)

 

[timschochet]

I learned the preamble by heart from Scholastic Rock:

Weee the people

In order to form a more perfect union

establish justice insure domestic tranquiliteeeeeee

provide for the common defense

promote the general welfare aaaaannnd

secure the blessings of liberty

for ourselves and our posterity

do ordain and establish

this Constitution

fooooorr

United States of

AMERICA!!

 

[Shutterbug]

It was a requirement to read in in 10th grade US History. If you didn't read it and pass the test on it, you failed the class.

ETA: Where I went to school, anyway...

 

[Linus Scrimmage]

Nope...and neither has George Bush...HEYOOOOO!

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Nope...and neither has George Bush...HEYOOOOO!

Aren't you voting for Obama? You should be a-ok with the treading!

 

[Linus Scrimmage]

Nope...and neither has George Bush...HEYOOOOO!

Aren't you voting for Obama? You should be a-ok with the treading!

Much like the last 12 years, there isn't a good choice to vote for president. The system is completely broken and the 2 party system is a total farce.Why is it we always seem to be voting for the lesser of 2 evils, then the best candidate?

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Nope...and neither has George Bush...HEYOOOOO!

Aren't you voting for Obama? You should be a-ok with the treading!

Much like the last 12 years, there isn't a good choice to vote for president. The system is completely broken and the 2 party system is a total farce.Why is it we always seem to be voting for the lesser of 2 evils, then the best candidate?

Then use your vote to try and fix the system. Find one of the many independent candidates that you agree with MOST (you wont agree with everything) and vote for him/her. If you really do not like either choice, then do not waste your vote. Voting for one of the lesser of two evils that you DO NOT LIKE is the only way can waste your vote. Its really quite simple.

 

[guncrib]

why does every thread devolve into partisan warfare? I thought this was a simple question. Have you read the Constitution? Nov cant come to early

 

[Mjolnirs]

Yes I have. I actually carry a pocket copy distrubuted by the Girl Scouts.

Last week my daughter (11th grade) was studying for an AP US History exam on the Constitution. I showed her my copy and asked if she wanted to borrow it. She looked at me like I had two heads and asked "why would you have that?" I told her I think everyone should have a copy.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Yes I have. I actually carry a pocket copy distrubuted by the Girl Scouts.Last week my daughter (11th grade) was studying for an AP US History exam on the Constitution. I showed her my copy and asked if she wanted to borrow it. She looked at me like I had two heads and asked "why would you have that?" I told her I think everyone should have a copy.

Been looking for a small pocket copy. Never thought to ask a girl scout

 

[parrot]

And the states in alphabetical order - there was even a song for that!.

Awesome! The Presidents one is good too. I would like to slip those in on my daughters' Ipods.

 

[TxBuckeye]

Yes, in person at the Smithsonian as a young lad. Or was it at the Library of Congress? Hmm, either way, it was in DC somewhere.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Try reading it again and then look how often we tread on it. Quite sad...

If it is indeed a "living" document then it's dying a death by a thousand cuts.(P.S. It's NOT a living document - literally or figuratively.)

The subject is the execution of those great powers on which the welfare of a nation essentially depends. It must have been the intention of those who gave these powers, to insure, so far as human prudence could insure, their beneficial execution. This could not be done, by confiding the choice of means to such narrow limits as not to leave it in the power of congress to adopt any which might be appropriate, and which were conducive to the end. This provision is made in a constitution, intended to endure for ages to come, and consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs. To have prescribed the means by which government should, in all future time, execute its powers, would have been to change, entirely, the character of the instrument, and give it the properties of a legal code. It would have been an unwise attempt to provide, by immutable rules, for exigencies which, if foreseen at all, must have been seen dimly, and which can be best provided for as they occur. To have declared, that the best means shall not be used, but those alone, without which the power given would be nugatory, would have been to deprive the legislature of the capacity to avail itself of experience, to exercise its reason, and to accommodate its legislation to circumstances.

 

[fightingduck]

Quite a bit.

I've had my older daughter (age 10) read the Dec of Indpendance (the first part) for the last two years on July 4th (sort of like reading the night before christmas type tradition.) I'll have to slip in the Bill of Rights next year, at least.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Quite a bit.I've had my older daughter (age 10) read the Dec of Indpendance (the first part) for the last two years on July 4th (sort of like reading the night before christmas type tradition.) I'll have to slip in the Bill of Rights next year, at least.

Now thats good parenting

 

[McJose]

No but I have The Articles of Confederation tattooed on my lower back.

 

[Gr00vus]

Try reading it again and then look how often we tread on it. Quite sad...

If it is indeed a "living" document then it's dying a death by a thousand cuts.(P.S. It's NOT a living document - literally or figuratively.)

The subject is the execution of those great powers on which the welfare of a nation essentially depends. It must have been the intention of those who gave these powers, to insure, so far as human prudence could insure, their beneficial execution. This could not be done, by confiding the choice of means to such narrow limits as not to leave it in the power of congress to adopt any which might be appropriate, and which were conducive to the end. This provision is made in a constitution, intended to endure for ages to come, and consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs. To have prescribed the means by which government should, in all future time, execute its powers, would have been to change, entirely, the character of the instrument, and give it the properties of a legal code. It would have been an unwise attempt to provide, by immutable rules, for exigencies which, if foreseen at all, must have been seen dimly, and which can be best provided for as they occur. To have declared, that the best means shall not be used, but those alone, without which the power given would be nugatory, would have been to deprive the legislature of the capacity to avail itself of experience, to exercise its reason, and to accommodate its legislation to circumstances.

:IBTL:

 

[McJose]

Try reading it again and then look how often we tread on it. Quite sad...

If it is indeed a "living" document then it's dying a death by a thousand cuts.(P.S. It's NOT a living document - literally or figuratively.)

The subject is the execution of those great powers on which the welfare of a nation essentially depends. It must have been the intention of those who gave these powers, to insure, so far as human prudence could insure, their beneficial execution. This could not be done, by confiding the choice of means to such narrow limits as not to leave it in the power of congress to adopt any which might be appropriate, and which were conducive to the end. This provision is made in a constitution, intended to endure for ages to come, and consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs. To have prescribed the means by which government should, in all future time, execute its powers, would have been to change, entirely, the character of the instrument, and give it the properties of a legal code. It would have been an unwise attempt to provide, by immutable rules, for exigencies which, if foreseen at all, must have been seen dimly, and which can be best provided for as they occur. To have declared, that the best means shall not be used, but those alone, without which the power given would be nugatory, would have been to deprive the legislature of the capacity to avail itself of experience, to exercise its reason, and to accommodate its legislation to circumstances.

And how.

 

[Topes]

This makes it easy reading.

 

[Gr00vus]

I've got a leather bound edition on the bookshelf and a bookmark (ya know, to keep place in your actual books) version on my refrigerator (courtesy of the ACLU).

 

[denveredge]

Try reading it again and then look how often we tread on it. Quite sad...

this is true, I have read it and also have it on cd, I listen to it every now and again

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Try reading it again and then look how often we tread on it. Quite sad...

If it is indeed a "living" document then it's dying a death by a thousand cuts.(P.S. It's NOT a living document - literally or figuratively.)

The subject is the execution of those great powers on which the welfare of a nation essentially depends. It must have been the intention of those who gave these powers, to insure, so far as human prudence could insure, their beneficial execution. This could not be done, by confiding the choice of means to such narrow limits as not to leave it in the power of congress to adopt any which might be appropriate, and which were conducive to the end. This provision is made in a constitution, intended to endure for ages to come, and consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs. To have prescribed the means by which government should, in all future time, execute its powers, would have been to change, entirely, the character of the instrument, and give it the properties of a legal code. It would have been an unwise attempt to provide, by immutable rules, for exigencies which, if foreseen at all, must have been seen dimly, and which can be best provided for as they occur. To have declared, that the best means shall not be used, but those alone, without which the power given would be nugatory, would have been to deprive the legislature of the capacity to avail itself of experience, to exercise its reason, and to accommodate its legislation to circumstances.

First, you should put quotes around that - you know better.Second, his ego was all he ever really cared about, and Jefferson and Madison weren't friends, in any manner. The mutual hatred between him and Jefferson is legend.Third, the case you site is magnificently ironic given the current work towards to the national government taking over the banking sector, once again. Guess what happened after they did it thanks to guys like this one?

 

[McJose]

Try reading it again and then look how often we tread on it. Quite sad...

If it is indeed a "living" document then it's dying a death by a thousand cuts.(P.S. It's NOT a living document - literally or figuratively.)

The subject is the execution of those great powers on which the welfare of a nation essentially depends. It must have been the intention of those who gave these powers, to insure, so far as human prudence could insure, their beneficial execution. This could not be done, by confiding the choice of means to such narrow limits as not to leave it in the power of congress to adopt any which might be appropriate, and which were conducive to the end. This provision is made in a constitution, intended to endure for ages to come, and consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs. To have prescribed the means by which government should, in all future time, execute its powers, would have been to change, entirely, the character of the instrument, and give it the properties of a legal code. It would have been an unwise attempt to provide, by immutable rules, for exigencies which, if foreseen at all, must have been seen dimly, and which can be best provided for as they occur. To have declared, that the best means shall not be used, but those alone, without which the power given would be nugatory, would have been to deprive the legislature of the capacity to avail itself of experience, to exercise its reason, and to accommodate its legislation to circumstances.

First, you should put quotes around that - you know better.Second, his ego was all he ever really cared about, and Jefferson and Madison weren't friends, in any manner. The mutual hatred between him and Jefferson is legend.Third, the case you site is magnificently ironic given the current work towards to the national government taking over the banking sector, once again. Guess what happened after they did it thanks to guys like this one?

First: OMG you mean Chase didn't write this?Second: watThird: That has nothing to do with whether or not the COTUS is a 'living document'.

 

[TommyGilmore]

Try reading it again and then look how often we tread on it. Quite sad...

If it is indeed a "living" document then it's dying a death by a thousand cuts.(P.S. It's NOT a living document - literally or figuratively.)

The subject is the execution of those great powers on which the welfare of a nation essentially depends. It must have been the intention of those who gave these powers, to insure, so far as human prudence could insure, their beneficial execution. This could not be done, by confiding the choice of means to such narrow limits as not to leave it in the power of congress to adopt any which might be appropriate, and which were conducive to the end. This provision is made in a constitution, intended to endure for ages to come, and consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs. To have prescribed the means by which government should, in all future time, execute its powers, would have been to change, entirely, the character of the instrument, and give it the properties of a legal code. It would have been an unwise attempt to provide, by immutable rules, for exigencies which, if foreseen at all, must have been seen dimly, and which can be best provided for as they occur. To have declared, that the best means shall not be used, but those alone, without which the power given would be nugatory, would have been to deprive the legislature of the capacity to avail itself of experience, to exercise its reason, and to accommodate its legislation to circumstances.

Could you, have used, more commas?

 

[Zow]

Try reading it again and then look how often we tread on it. Quite sad...

If it is indeed a "living" document then it's dying a death by a thousand cuts.(P.S. It's NOT a living document - literally or figuratively.)

The subject is the execution of those great powers on which the welfare of a nation essentially depends. It must have been the intention of those who gave these powers, to insure, so far as human prudence could insure, their beneficial execution. This could not be done, by confiding the choice of means to such narrow limits as not to leave it in the power of congress to adopt any which might be appropriate, and which were conducive to the end. This provision is made in a constitution, intended to endure for ages to come, and consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs. To have prescribed the means by which government should, in all future time, execute its powers, would have been to change, entirely, the character of the instrument, and give it the properties of a legal code. It would have been an unwise attempt to provide, by immutable rules, for exigencies which, if foreseen at all, must have been seen dimly, and which can be best provided for as they occur. To have declared, that the best means shall not be used, but those alone, without which the power given would be nugatory, would have been to deprive the legislature of the capacity to avail itself of experience, to exercise its reason, and to accommodate its legislation to circumstances.

Marbury v. Madison?

 

[McJose]

Try reading it again and then look how often we tread on it. Quite sad...

If it is indeed a "living" document then it's dying a death by a thousand cuts.(P.S. It's NOT a living document - literally or figuratively.)

The subject is the execution of those great powers on which the welfare of a nation essentially depends. It must have been the intention of those who gave these powers, to insure, so far as human prudence could insure, their beneficial execution. This could not be done, by confiding the choice of means to such narrow limits as not to leave it in the power of congress to adopt any which might be appropriate, and which were conducive to the end. This provision is made in a constitution, intended to endure for ages to come, and consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs. To have prescribed the means by which government should, in all future time, execute its powers, would have been to change, entirely, the character of the instrument, and give it the properties of a legal code. It would have been an unwise attempt to provide, by immutable rules, for exigencies which, if foreseen at all, must have been seen dimly, and which can be best provided for as they occur. To have declared, that the best means shall not be used, but those alone, without which the power given would be nugatory, would have been to deprive the legislature of the capacity to avail itself of experience, to exercise its reason, and to accommodate its legislation to circumstances.

Marbury v. Madison?

*ding* Give that man a giant Scooby Doo.

 

[RoarinSonoran]

I had to memorize the Preamble in 5th grade

Tim's got it down.

I learned the preamble by heart from Scholastic Rock:

Weee the people

In order to form a more perfect union

establish justice insure domestic tranquiliteeeeeee

provide for the common defense

promote the general welfare aaaaannnd

secure the blessings of liberty

for ourselves and our posterity

do ordain and establish

this Constitution

fooooorr the

United States of

AMERICA!!

No but I have The Articles of Confederation tattooed on my lower back.

Tramp.

 

[B Maverick]

in order to pass 8th grade and move up to HS, we had a 6 week course on the Constitution. Had to pass every section from the preamble to the amendements.

So yes, i have read the entire thing.

 

[Fennis]

Yes I have. I actually carry a pocket copy distrubuted by the Girl Scouts.Last week my daughter (11th grade) was studying for an AP US History exam on the Constitution. I showed her my copy and asked if she wanted to borrow it. She looked at me like I had two heads and asked "why would you have that?" I told her I think everyone should have a copy.

I remember(at least in 1996) Bob Dole carried a copy of the 10th around with him.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Try reading it again and then look how often we tread on it. Quite sad...

If it is indeed a "living" document then it's dying a death by a thousand cuts.(P.S. It's NOT a living document - literally or figuratively.)

The subject is the execution of those great powers on which the welfare of a nation essentially depends. It must have been the intention of those who gave these powers, to insure, so far as human prudence could insure, their beneficial execution. This could not be done, by confiding the choice of means to such narrow limits as not to leave it in the power of congress to adopt any which might be appropriate, and which were conducive to the end. This provision is made in a constitution, intended to endure for ages to come, and consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs. To have prescribed the means by which government should, in all future time, execute its powers, would have been to change, entirely, the character of the instrument, and give it the properties of a legal code. It would have been an unwise attempt to provide, by immutable rules, for exigencies which, if foreseen at all, must have been seen dimly, and which can be best provided for as they occur. To have declared, that the best means shall not be used, but those alone, without which the power given would be nugatory, would have been to deprive the legislature of the capacity to avail itself of experience, to exercise its reason, and to accommodate its legislation to circumstances.

Marbury v. Madison?

*ding* Give that man a giant Scooby Doo.

For being wrong?

 

[KCC]

These should be required reading as well.