By: Wanda Campbell
The Preamble of the Constitution of the United States:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. 1789.
Our Constitution acts like an enormous unifier, uniting a group of states with different interests, laws, and cultures. Under America’s first national government, the Articles of Confederation, the states acted together only for specific purposes. The Constitution united all of its citizens as members of a whole, consigning the power of the union to its people. Without this document, the American Experiment might have ended as quickly as it had begun.
Article One of the Constitution established the power of Congress. Article Two established the power of the President. Article Three established the power of the Supreme Court. Article Four gives full faith and credit to the laws of each state. Article Five states that when Congress proposes an amendment it has to be ratified by 3/4 of the states. Article Six states that the Constitution shall be the supreme law of the land. Article Seven states that nine of the thirteen states had to ratify the constitution for it to be legal.
The Constitution was signed at a convention by the unanimous consent of the twelve states present on the 17th of September 1787. The first ten amendments (The Bill of Rights) were added in 1791.
For four Thursdays, starting October 31, the Center for Lifelong Learning will present a class about the Constitution. The Great Debates: Advocates and Opponents of the Constitution will discuss the two sides of the debate – the Federalist and Anti-Federalists; Separation of Powers; and the Bill of Rights. This is a free class offered from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bring your lunch and join us for this interesting discussion each week.
You can register for programs on our website – www.athens.edu/CLL or call us at 256-233-8260.
What else is happening?
November 1 – Friday Night Movies: Special Effects of the 20th Century – “The Dark Knight.” This class is scheduled from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Center for Lifelong Learning.
November 2 – Advanced Blacksmith: A Simple Candlestick. This class is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 208 Commercial Drive in Athens.
November 8 – Community Breakfast with Michael Durant. This free event is scheduled from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Center for Lifelong Learning.
Watch for all our happenings on our website – www.athens.edu/CLL or check us out on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
By: Wanda Campbell
Center for Lifelong Learning – 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 – 256-233-8262
