The Constitution and its Powers

Lecture Recap: Declaration of Independence

• A list of grievances against the King of England.
• An expression of legitimacy.

Lecture Recap: Articles of Confederation

• Allowed states to ignore the federal government.
• Required unanimous decisions for changes.

Lecture Recap: Constitutional Convention

• Originally about commerce but the agenda shifted.
• Virginia Plan: Representation by population.
• New Jersey Plan: Representation by state.
• "Great" Compromise: House and Senate to appease both sides.
• 3/5 Compromise.
• Electoral College.

Lecture Recap: Objections to the Constitution

• Created a large central government, which they had just fought to oppose.
• Democracy and the state should be close to the people.

Lecture Recap: Bill of Rights

• Created to guarantee checks on federal power.
• Ensured the right to oppose a tyrannical government.

Goals for Today's Discussion

• Forming and gaining a better understanding of the Constitution (and Bill of Rights).
• Engaging in healthy and productive conversations, and/or disagreements.
• Asking questions.

Discussion: Fairness of the Constitution

• Is the Constitution fair, even with all the amendments?
• Personal convictions may differ from the side one must defend.

Discussion: 2nd Amendment

• Has the interpretation of the 2nd Amendment stayed constant since the framers?
• The 2nd Amendment:
  • "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."

Discussion: State-Guaranteed Safety vs. Restriction

• At what point does state-guaranteed safety become a restriction?
• Professor Engstrom:
  • "We would rather live among criminals than live under a tyrannical government."
• Benjamin Franklin:
  • "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

Current Events

• The Trump administration attempted to circumvent Congressionally approved funds using a non-official DOGE office run by Elon Musk.
• From a Constitutional standpoint, are these actions justifiable, and why?

Next Steps

• Review Chapter 4: Federalism for next week.
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• Assignment 3: Consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor.