Conversations on the Constitution

What is the program about?
Our Constitution offers a framework for addressing challenges in the nation's political life. Conversations on the Constitution is a new program of the ABA Division for Public Education to encourage civil discussion and debate about the meaning of some of the Constitution's concepts and clauses that have been the subject of ongoing constitutional debates.

What are the program's topics?
These conversations are organized around constitutional clauses or concepts that explore aspects of constitutional principles and interpretation and American law from both historical and contemporary perspectives. The conversation topic pages contain issues to be explored and conversation starters to aid you in beginning your discussions. Topics include:

What are the program's objectives?
One of the characteristics of a constitutional democracy is tolerance. Another is that people of good will come together to discuss their differences. Since the founding of our country, people have come together to discuss the Constitution and its meaning. Conversations on the Constitution will carry on this tradition. By considering the meaning of constitutional concepts and clauses in their historical and contemporary context, Americans can gain perspective on how we might respond to changing conditions and circumstances, appreciate the significance of our constitutional principles, and better understand the complex legal issues facing our nation.

Each year beginning in 2005, educational institutions receiving federal funds will hold educational programs about the Constitution on September 17-Constitution Day. The authorizing legislation, sponsored by Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV), also requires federal agencies to hold Constitution programs on Constitution Day. The ABA Division for Public Education offers Conversations on the Constitution in service to the nation for its Constitution commemoration and education efforts.

Who can participate in the program?
We encourage Americans from all walks of life to participate openly in constructive conversations that advance civil discussion. To this end, we have prepared "how to information" to aid in planning conversations in schools and conversations in the workplace. The conversation starters and focus questions are appropriate for middle and high school students and adults.

What are "conversation starters"?
For each topic, we have identified suggested "conversation starters," which are brief, easily read text or images accompanied by focus questions designed to open discussion about the starter and the constitutional clause or concept it explores. We have also identified additional resources for each starter that provide more detailed information about the starter and the issues it explores.

Note: The views expressed here have not been approved by the House of Delegates or the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association, and accordingly, should not be construed as representing the policy of the American Bar Association, nor do they represent the official position or policies of the ABA Standing Committee on Public Education.