View the short history film in Module # 2 and the Ted Talk by Larry Lessing in that same module – the history film moves quickly so watch and listen carefully. Respond to the following:
1. Do you agree with the points made by Lessing? Why or why not? Is the US truly democratic?
2. There is presently a huge political and cultural debate raging regarding the permanence of the U.S. constitution. Democrats, particularly the progressive faction, generally believe it should be a living breathing document. Conservatives, including the Republican party in general, believe it should be a fixed instrument, not subject to change.
What do you think and why? Some of the issues to consider include such phenomenon as transgender issues including participation in female sports, gun control or second amendment revisions, free speech, immigration, and strong national control (generally, Democrats’ positions) versus states’ rights and more limited national control (generally, Republicans). There are numerous things to keep in mind regarding the original constitution. An important matter concerns the provision that any rights or matters not expressly covered by the constitution revert to the control of the states. For instance, the reversal of Roe vs. Wade did not expressly prohibit abortion as many assert. Rather, it referred the matter back to the states as was the case prior to Roe vs. Wade. Again, to an extent this speaks to the issue of states rights versus national control. Potential other matters that may go before the Supreme Court under this provision include transgender rights, possibly same-sex marriage but now protected and codified under the Family Protection Act (generally considered no longer an issue that can be over-turned), parental rights in education versus school board mandates, and various land use matters.
(At least 350 words)
