 a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed.  the composition of something.  : the system of beliefs and laws by which a country, state, or organization is governed  : a document that describes this system  : the physical health and condition of a person or animal

September 17 th, 2015

 Skim and scan pages 484 – 495  Pair-share –  What do you notice about its layout and main features?  How is the U.S. Constitution different from other countries’ Constitutions?

 Constitution Vignette Constitution Vignette

 How many delegates signed the Constitution?  When was it adopted?  Why did the framers believe in the separation of powers?  How does the Constitution highlight each branch of government?

 Chief Justice John Marshall established the process of judicial review in the 1803 Supreme Court case, Marbury vs. Madison  What is Judicial Review?  In very simple terms, Marbury v. Madison, is important because it was the first time a law of Congress was ever declared unconstitutional, or in conflict with the Constitution. If the Constitution is the law of the land and something is conflict with that law of the land, then that something is illegal.

 Justice Scalia on Constitutional Interpretation Justice Scalia on Constitutional Interpretation

 What is “the living Constitution”?  How does Justice Scalia interpret the Constitution? What does he mean that this type of interpretation, “used to be orthodoxy?”  Why does Justice Scalia believe, “the First Amendment does not guarantee free speech?” What distinction does he make between free speech and the freedom of speech? How does this analysis differ from a justice who believes in “the living Constitution?”  Explain how Justice Scalia’s Constitutional interpretation leads him to rule in support of the burning of the American flag despite his personal views. Do you think Justices should separate their personal views when deciding a court case? Why or why not?

 According to the first video, how has the Constitution been tested over the course of American history?

 Privacy vs. Free Speech Privacy vs. Free Speech

 Which Amendment to the Constitution addresses the right to free speech? Which Amendment addresses a citizen’s right to privacy? Summarize the meaning of these Amendments.  Examine the case of the “Star Wars Kid.” What happened after the video of him was posted on the internet? What was the outcome of his legal case?  According to Mr. Solove, how does free speech conflict with privacy on the internet? Do you think there is a way to resolve this “clash?” Explain your answer.  Compare the right to privacy and the right to free speech. Which do you think is more important? Explain your answer. Why does Mr. Solove believe the law is struggling with protecting privacy online?

 How do you think the Constitution might be tested in the future?  How is the U.S. Constitution different from other countries’ Constitutions?