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This week we completed a series of questions that allowed you to explore the Constitution and how it impacts our everyday life. You found that our Constitution is a short and flexible document that has survived because of its ability to respond to the times.

As you keep up on national events, look at how our Constitution impacts the actions of our elected leaders and the judiciary. An excellent example is the process we are witnessing as Judge Alito's confirmation process continues. Our excitement for this event is heightened knowing that Senator Chafee’s (R-RI) vote will play a key role in the confirmation process and his decision will affect his reelection efforts. Senator Chafee can earn the support of Republicans by supporting Alito or he can earn the support of many Independents and vote no. Rhode Islanders have always been known for their independent spirit. Many observers are concerned that Judge Alito could shift the high court to the right causing a new wave of restrictions on personal liberties.

Bill of Rights

After our student written quiz on the Constitution, we will turn to the Bill of Rights. The Bill Of Rights is technically the first 10 amendments to the Constitution that were added in order to gain the support of the Anti-federalists. Over time other amendments have been added to expand personal liberties such as the right to vote for 18 year olds. Next week you will be working on one of the amendments and its effect on our daily lives. You will then present your interpretation to the class. Finally, we will look at Supreme Court cases that affect the lives of high school students. You will act as the judge as you interpret the Bill of Rights as applied to locker searches, censoring high school newspapers, and wearing black arm bands to school.


State of the Union Address

Tuesday evening the President will address a Joint Session of Congress. Article II section 3 of the Constitution requires the President to “give to the Congress information on the State of the Union.” Your homework will ask you to use your senses: what did you see, what did you hear, and how did the speech make you feel. This is a time for high drama so take time to tune in!

The Power Couple

In case you missed the first showing of “John and Abigail” on PBS, you have a second opportunity on Sunday, January 29 at 9pm on channel 44. They were truly an amazing couple that devoted years to the betterment of this country at great personal sacrifice. Abigail is given equal billing as a political thinker and advisor to her husband the president and to her son John Quincy, whom she raised to serve his country though she did not live to see him become President.

The Redwood Returns

This week the Redwood Library in Newport was reopened after an extensive renovation. Earlier in this blog you may have read about George Washington’s visit to the library and its influence on the renovation of Mt. Vernon. As part of the reopening, Edmund Morris a Pulitzer Prize winning author spoke about his most recent book “Beethoven.” He is also the author of a trilogy on Theodore Roosevelt. He was kind enough to sign my copy of “Theodore Rex.” It looks great next to my signed copies of “John Adams” and “1776.”