To provide awareness of the United States Constitution, officials at Arkansas Tech – Ozark planned events throughout the week.
In honor of the Constitution, students, staff and faculty began the celebrations on Monday at 2 p.m. with an assembly featuring Fifth Judicial Circuit Judge, Gordon “Mac” McCain. He delivered a message of hope stating, “Never give up, and never lose sight of your goals.” McCain continued explaining why the Constitution was so important and how it effects our lives on a daily basis.
On September 17, 1787, thirty-nine of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention, gathered in Philadelphia and signed the U.S. Constitution. During both the drafting of the Constitution and the ensuing debates over its ratification, the struggle to procure the new system of government was not an easy one. But in the end, America came down in support of what has endured as the oldest working constitution in the world today.
The Constitution was based on the idea of an unchanging human nature. That idea is best captured in the Declaration of Independence and its statement that all human beings possess equal rights by nature. The idea of equal natural rights is not only the ground for government by consent, but also sets the limit for what that government may rightfully do. If rights precede the formation of government, the primary goal of government is to secure those rights. It cannot grant them, nor can it violate them. To achieve this, government must protect individuals equally under the law.
McCain presented a video explaining our rights, equal justice, independent judiciary and jury selection. The video is available in the Constitution binder at: http://livebinders.com/play/play_or_edit?id=26729
Immediately following the McCain presentation, students enjoyed refreshments and had the opportunity to watch The End of America film based on the New York Times best seller by Naomi Wolf.
Other activities being offered to the students this week include visiting the library to learn more about the Bill of Rights and receive a patriotic lapel pin. If students wear red, white and blue they will be eligible to place their name into a drawing to win patriotic prizes in celebrating of the Constitution. Winners will be announced on Friday, September 17.
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