#106 Examining the Constitution

Digital history: Mapping the Constitution

• Begin by opening this digital copy (Google Doc) of the Constitution as it was passed in 1787. (Note that through the amendments process, several points in this text have been altered).
• Use this table (Google Spreadsheet) to digitally “map” the Constitution. To complete this task in a time-efficient fashion, use the Google Docs word count feature (link to Google Support page) to catalog the number of words in each article and to calculate the percentage of the whole it represents to determine how much of the text was dedicated to each structure or power.
• Consider the following questions based on the table and pie chart you have created:
  • Which topics received the most attention in the Constitution?
  • Does the map suggest hypotheses about the relative importance to the Founders of the powers of the new government?
  • To what extent do the powers of each branch of government displayed in the pie chart match how the federal government works today?

Interpreting the Constitution

• In the time remaining today, students will divide into small investigative teams (pairs or triads) to consider five significant concepts embedded in the Constitution, and draw on evidence from the document in support of both potential positions. After gathering evidence, we will use our research to frame our next class discussion.

Concept #1: Republicanism

• Question: What should be the role of citizens in creating public policy?
• Position A: Public policy should reflect the opinion of voters.
• Position B: Public policy should be created by officials who are most informed about the issues involved.

Concept #2: Federalism

• Question: How should power be divided between the federal government and the states?
• Position A: The federal government should retain the most power because it is best positioned to ensure fair treatment, safety, and equal protection for all Americans.
• Position B: The states should retain the most power because they are closer to the people, better informed on local issues, and best positioned to exercise authority for their residents.

Concept #3: Limited Government

• Question: To what extent should the federal government be involved in economic issues?
• Position A: The federal government's powers over taxation as well as international and interstate trade allow significant latitude in directing economic policy.
• Position B: The federal government should only act to remedy unfavorable economic conditions for business activity.

Concept #4: Separation of Powers

• Question: Once Congress declares war and the President assumes the role of Commander-in-Chief who decides how the war ends?
• Position A: Congress, the policy making branch which represents the people, should determine peace terms.
• Position B: The President as Commander-in-Chief is in the best position to determine appropriate actions.

Concept #5: Checks and Balances

• Question: When the President makes a nomination, what should be the nature of the Senate's "advice and consent?"
• Position A: The Senate should defer to the President's choice of who he wants working under him.
• ​Position B: It is the Senate’s duty to make an independent judgment of a nominee's suitability for a position serving the American people, even if that means denying the President his choice.

Homework: #107