Constitution Day 2022
Margaret Mead once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Amerian history can illustrate Mead’s quote with an event that took place 235 years ago when on September 17, 1787, the United States Constitution was signed at the Philadelphia Convention by 39 delegates. And indeed, the 39 delegates represented thousands of conversations by many thoughtful, committed groups of individuals across the colonies—conversations that continue today.
This year at Union, our reflections focus on interpretations of the U.S. Constitution. We wondered how justices think about their roles. As a result, our team identified a set of videos that are mostly 2 – 15 minutes long, except the 3rd Circuit judges’ video, which is just under an hour.
Supreme Court Justices on interpreting the Constitution:
- Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- Justice Sonia Sotomayor
- Chief Justice John Roberts
Third Circuit Appellate Court judges (1 hour)
The justices discussed how the Constitution evolved, particularly how the Constitution has adapted to inevitable changes in a growing country. The following resources illustrate how voting rights evolved over the past 235 years:
- Women’s Suffrage and the 19th Amendment
- Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Voting Rights/Reconstruction
As contemporary Americans observing this important day in our nation’s history, our conversation about this living and breathing document manifests in activities, learning, parades, and demonstrations. Learn more on how to celebrate Constitution Day today!