Do you own a copy of the U.S. Constitution?

[TheMojoPin]

And the Declaration of Independece?

If not...why the hell not?

I've had a hardcover copy of both for as far back as I can remember...

How many people have never even READ either of them?

And if not...why the fuck not?!?

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[HBox]

Well, I don't OWN copies of them. I mean, you can get both free off of numerous sites.

But, yes, I have read both.

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[high fly]

NATCH!

Mine are on authentic imitation parchment and are hard as hell to read.

" and they ask me why I drink"

[canofsoup15]

I know i have the constitution, it came with my graduation I dont know about the DOI, but I've read them both, well most of them at least.

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[DeltaPin]

Have both, in appendices of old college text books, and have read them.


How many people have never even READ either of them?

And if not...why the fuck not?!?

If not the whole Constitution, how many have at least read the Bill of Rights? People constantly bring up 1st Amendment, 2nd, & so on, but do they actually know what they state?

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This message was edited by DeltaPin on 8-23-03 @ 2:51 PM

[Snoogans]

I only own one because they give it to you when you graduate HS. i think its out in storage somewhere near the bible

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Silent Bob you one rude motherfucker, she like to go down on you, suck you. line up 2 other guys and make like a circus seal


eww you fuckin faggots, i hate guys, i LOOOOVE WOMEN!

[high fly]

...but do they actually know what they state?

The only parts I remember are:
"You have the right to remain silent."
"You have a right to an attorney and if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you."


I remember those because I use them the most often.







and I used to have a model of "Old Ironsides".



" and they ask me why I drink"

This message was edited by high fly on 8-23-03 @ 3:54 PM

[reeshy]

Yes I do and yes I have!!

I have a book on my shelf with all of the impertant documents pertaining to the US-including the Gettysburg Address (personal favorite)!!

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[Melrapuo]

I don't and I've only read parts of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

However, my 10th grade US History teacher owns a little pocket Constitution, which is a 5 x 3 inch booklet that has the whole constitution written in it, along with interpretations of the writings as well as what they affected in terms of rights and government. It's a little weird though when you notice that he carries it even when he's out of school, because I, myself, have never had to use the Constitution as a reference whenever I'm out with friends or ordering a sandwich at the local deli.

Then again, maybe it would come in handy in some cases.

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[DarkHippie]

My parents bought a cheesy copy on parchment of the declaration and the bill of rights at some tourist trap near DC when I was a kid.

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[Wormwood]

How many people have never even READ either of them?

And if not...why the fuck not?!?

I don't have to read them, I'm an American.

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[TheMojoPin]

I don't have to read them, I'm an American.

Actually, that's the #1 reason why you SHOULD have read them.

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[ChickenHawk]

You bet your ass I do.

And as far as the Declaration of Independence, I have one of those replica ones on the yellow paper with the brown edges that they made look old.

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[douchebagsean]

ill go one better i even have a copy of the federalist papers

"anfrax + ekasy = ambahlance"
"im a gonna c-i-l-l my landlord"

[furie]

yes, but it's old and doesn't have the 27th amendment in it.


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[TheMojoPin]

ill go one better i even have a copy of the federalist papers

Same difference.

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[Death Metal Moe]

I have a cool fake old looking copy that I bought on my 8th grade trip to DC. They're wicked kewl!

I haven't read them in awhile. Maybe I should.

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[Wormwood]

Actually, that's the #1 reason why you SHOULD have read them

no. seriously thats the beauty of being American, freewill. You should be my biggest fan.

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This message was edited by Wormwood on 8-23-03 @ 10:24 PM

[phixion]

i dont own them but i have read them. i had to a cheesy school project where i read through both documents and make a dictionary for all the words i didnt understand. and when i went to highschool i remember i didnt have to study at all for the tests on those documents. but then again i never did study so take that for what its worth.

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"Go sit on the toilet and pull and tug on your weiner until white stuff comes out."

[high fly]

READ THEM?

Hell, when I was in school we had to memorise the preamble to the Declaration of Independence, plus we studied the Constitution, word by word, as well as the Federalist Papers and Articles of Confederation and I don't know what-all else.
We were rigorously tested on all of it.







But then, I went to a private school.


" and they ask me why I drink"

[DeltaPin]

The only parts I remember are:
"You have the right to remain silent."
"You have a right to an attorney and if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you."


I remember those because I use them the most often.

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Amendment VII

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.



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[guttersnipe]

Hell, when I was in school we had to memorise the preamble to the Declaration of Independence

When I was growing up, we were practically physically forced to memorize it thanks to Schoolhouse Rock. I still have it memorized, but unfortunately, I can't speak it. Much like a child with the alphabet, I have to sing it.



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[A.J.]

I have them bookmarked.

Historical documents (http://thomas.loc.gov/home/histdoxmainpg.html)

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[furie]

...but do they actually know what they state?

The only parts I remember are:
"You have the right to remain silent."
"You have a right to an attorney and if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you."


I remember those because I use them the most often.


they're not in the constitution, per se.


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This message was edited by furie on 8-26-03 @ 11:18 AM

[Mike Teacher]

The only parts I remember are:


Hmmm...didn't copy the whole thing. No biggie.

The familiar sound of a cop reading a person his rights is what the above is from, and stems directly from Amendment 5. It's, I'm sure you guys know, the Miranda Warning. From a case I forget, but I'm fairly sure Miranda commited a crime, was caught, and offered information about it, which is not a rare thing. However, that information he gave the police/whoever, was said to be inadmissable as evidence. Why? Amendment 5 says a person can't be compelled to testify against thenselves. They can, and do, in plea bargains. But it can't be coerced out of you, or even regarded, until you have been read your Miranda Rights.

That's the right to remain silent part. The clause that lets Keanu Reaves give the guy the middle finger and demand to call his lawyer in The Matrix also derives from Amendment 5, under the Due Process clause. This is a biggie; back then it simply meant, however simple or hasty it may be, there will be a process whereby you can answer charges against you, and if you wish, have the counsel of the lawyer.

Of course, I teach Chemistry and Biology and Astronomy, so a lot of this may be really really wrong. A lot.

http://miketheteacher.com

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[douchebagsean]

Same difference.

yeah but its got a cool picture on the cover



Of course, I teach Chemistry and Biology and Astronomy, so a lot of this may be really really wrong. A lot.

sounds right to me


"anfrax + ekasy = ambahlance"
"im a gonna c-i-l-l my landlord"


This message was edited by douchebagsean on 8-26-03 @ 11:26 AM

[Doctor Manhattan]

Why would I want a copy of the U.S. Constitution?

They keep changing it.

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[El Mudo]

Do you own a copy of the U.S. Constitution?


Sure...so whenever I feel like getting angry, I can look at the 14th Amendment and what an abosolute joke it is

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[mikeyboy]

Yes. Yes, I do -- In a copy of a constitutional law text book. I also have a separate copy of the Declaration of Independence. What do I win?


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[Yerdaddy]

Sure...so whenever I feel like getting angry, I can look at the 14th Amendment and what an abosolute joke it is

Talk about a sore loser!
AMENDMENT XIV
Passed by Congress June 13, 1866. Ratified July 9, 1868.

Note: Article I, section 2, of the Constitution was modified by section 2 of the 14th amendment.

Section 1.
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Section 2.
Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice-President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age,* and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such State.

Section 3.
No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.

Section 4.
The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.

Section 5.
The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.

*Changed by section 1 of the 26th amendment.

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[Death Metal Moe]

I got my copies. Now if I could only learn to read.

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[Disúgrunútled]

Miranda vs. Arizona (http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/cgi-bin/getcase.pl?court=US&vol=384&invol=436)
This is why you are read your rights when arrested.

Side NoteIf anyone ever has the chance, visit your local Federal Depository. You can find the most interesting documents there. I work in one and I am still amazed at what we have.
Gov Docs info (http://www.gpoaccess.gov/)

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[sr71blackbird]

The federalist papers are the shizznits!

"The tree of Liberty needs to be watered
from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."


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Many Thanks Soup!

[high fly]

Brown kicked the Board of Education's ASS!!!

" and they ask me why I drink"

[TheMojoPin]

"The tree of Liberty needs to be watered
from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."

If I were an asshole, I'd say that there wasn't much a difference between the two these days.

Hey, look at that.

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[high fly]

Yeah, MOJO, and as I recall a bit woozily, that quote in context referred to Jefferson's belief that we'd need a revolution and new Constitution every 30 or 40 years.

" and they ask me why I drink"

[PanterA]

I burnt mine while going though that teenage rebel/anarchist stage.

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[reeshy]

I burnt mine while going though that teenage rebel/anarchist stage.


"YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!!!"

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[El Mudo]

Talk about a sore loser!


Well, let's take a look at ye olde 14th Amendment....

Section 1: This section defines for the first time a citizen of the United States. Its prohibitions are solely against the states. There are no provisions against the Federal Government engaging in oppressive acts or usurping powers that do not belong to it

Section 3: This section provides the legal excuse to disenfranchise white southerners. It bars from state or federal office any person who, as an official of any kind, had previously taken oath of office and later participated in the "rebellion". This is what is known as an ex post facto law, which is specifically forbidden in Article I Section 9 of the Constitution

Section 5: This section contains the enabling clause giving Congress a free hand in the internal policies of a state.
Also, the 14th Amendment was never ratified by the States:
* States in the Union: 37
* Needed to Ratify: 28
* States voting yes: 22
* States voting no: 12
* States not voting: 3
Even if the states not voting had voted "yes" it would still fall short of the required number.

So to ensure enactment of the Amendment, the Northern Congress had to accomplish the following:
1. Declare the Southern States outside of the erstwhile indivisible Union
2. Deny majority rule in the Southern states by disenfranchisement of large numbers of the white population
3. Require the Southern states to ratify the amendment as the price of getting back into the Union from which heretofore they had been denied the right to secede.

On point 3 above, the North, in 1866 removed the Southern states from the Union. This is the same North that in 1861 refused to allow the South to secede from the Union, but now for their own political purposes, now said they were out of it. To get back into the Union, the South was required to perform the function of a state in that Union, while still officially no longer a part of the Union, by ratifying an amendment that previously as states in the Union it had legally rejected.

Plus, it was highly unpopular in the North. The State of New Jersey passed a Joint resolution withdrawing its consent to the adoption of the amendment and attacking it:

from Paragraph 11 of the resolution: "....It denounces and inflicts punishment for past offenses, and therefore is guilty of violating a cardinal principle of American Liberty that no punishment can be inflicted for any offense, unless it is provided by laws before the commission of the offense"

and since I can't put the whole resolution here, here's a snippet from Paragraph 19:

"....transfers to Congress the whole control of the right of suffrage in the State....a power which they have never been willing to surrender to the general government, and which was reserved to the states as a fundamental principle on which the Constitution itself was constructed -the principle of self-government"

Later Ohio and Oregon both repealed their ratifications, with Oregon also passing a scathing resolution..

There is a good article from the Georgia Journal of Southern Legal History (Spring/Summer 1991 Vo1. 1 No. 1) by Dr. Forrest McDonald that provides an excellent read about the dubious Constitutionality of the 14th amendment....

*whew*


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[mdr55]

Does anyone know which 3 delegates refused to sign the Declaration of Independence? And why they refused.

The Ron and Fez show transcends all boundaries!

STOP! the Turf Wars.

[Bama]

There is a good article from the Georgia Journal of Southern Legal History (Spring/Summer 1991 Vo1. 1 No. 1) by Dr. Forrest McDonald that provides an excellent read about the dubious Constitutionality of the 14th amendment....



That guy was my constitutional history teacher in college. Total prick.



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This message was edited by bamanation on 8-28-03 @ 12:47 PM