While brushing up for midterm exams, University students in American government classes will also be taking part in Constitution Day today – a holiday celebrating one of the most important documents in United States history.
Political science professors will discuss some of the more important sections within the United States Constitution during classes today. This will be a chance for students to realize the importance of a 222-year-old document, stating American laws still used today, said David Jackson, one of the professors.
‘It’s a good chance to talk to students about the owner’s manual for the country,’ he said.
While most students know their First Amendment rights, learning how the Constitution was derived is essential to understanding American liberties, Jackson said.
‘I want them to know the Constitution of 1787,’ he said. ‘There are really important parts about the first seven articles in the Constitution.’
Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) initiated legislation passed in 2004 requiring all higher learning institutions to study the Constitution every Sept. 17.
Freshman Andy Jones said he is glad Byrd enacted the law, giving himself and his peers another day in Jackson’s class to become familiarized with the ‘law of the land.’
‘[The U.S. Constitution] is important to me as an American citizen because this is our supreme law and spells out our government,’ he said.
‘It helps inform students and make better decisions in choosing the right candidates and the best men and women in government,’ he added
Other students in the class also appreciated a day dedicated to the Constitution.
‘I feel like the Constitution, in general, helps us understand the founding of our country,’ freshman Danica Jones said, who is also in Jackson’s class.
BGeXperience peer facilitator Jacob Smith, 28, said while the big picture of constitutional law has remained intact, changing it is a constant process to continually make this country a better place to live.
‘The constitution lets us know where we have been and where we are going,’ Smith said.
‘The most interesting thing is the first three words, ‘We the People,’ and how they have changed from 1787 to 2009 to be more inclusive of all people,’ he said.
And its the ongoing process of change as to why Smith believes the Constitution is essential for the country.
‘It allows us to look back and see how even the founding fathers weren’t perfect and how other generations of Americans since have redefined their words.’
Editor’s note: The Constitution was signed Sept. 17, 1787 by 55 delegates from the original 13 states in Philadelphia.
