Constitution deserves special recognition with a designated day
Article By: Staff
On an average day, people in the U.S. can worship as they see fit, speak their minds in public or in the press, assemble peaceably and petition the government. These rights are enumerated in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
The first and following nine amendments make up the Bill of Rights, which established the Constitution as a unique and tangible document that founded the first federal government in history. With such a decree, the United States celebrates its signing Sept. 17, known as Constitution Day.
Dr. Bonita Jacobs, president of the University of North Georgia (UNG), followed suit and proclaimed Constitution Week across the university's five campuses Sept. 17-23.
"The U.S. Constitution has endured over time, with only 27 amendments in its 232 years," she said. "With such a powerful document securing our rights, it is fitting and proper to commemorate its creation through activities across our campuses."
To salute the Constitution, educational posters about its history will be on display at UNG's Dahlonega Campus in the Hoag Student Center, the Dining Hall and Young Hall lobby along with interactive student comment boards on constitutional ideas, said Dr. Michael Proulx, associate professor of history, anthropology and philosophy at UNG. On the Gainesville Campus, a panel discussion on campus free speech will be held Monday and a constitutional trivia contest will be held Tuesday.
"By studying the Constitution, we learn America's core founding values and historic commitment to a limited government that does not unnecessarily intrude into our lives," said Dr. Douglas Young, professor of political science and international affairs at UNG. "We learn about U.S. history and the countless court cases and other governmental actions over the centuries that have interpreted and redefined what the Constitution prescribes for our system of government."
Read more the Constitution and Constitution Day.
Constitution Week activities
- Screening of the documentary "One Woman, One Vote" to mark the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Showings are from noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 16, in Young Hall 203 and 4:45-5:45 p.m. Sept. 19, in Young Hall 202.
- Citizenship test trivia from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 17 and 19, in the Hoag Student Center and Dining Hall.
- Student discussion on voting rights and convicted felons from noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 18 in the lobby of Young Hall.
Gainesville Campus
- Panel discussion on campus free speech at noon Sept. 16 in the auditorium of the Continuing Education and Performing Arts building.
- Constitutional trivia contest at noon Sept. 17 in Strickland 168.
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