Vol. 43, No. 2: We the People

Featured

Civil Rights & Constitution

Is the Third Time the Charm? Reconstructing Personhood and Reimagining “We the People”

by Lisa A. Crooms-Robinson

Professor Crooms-Robinson examines the original intent of who “we the people” included and who it excluded, namely enslaved blacks. She looks to historic cases like Scott v. Sandford to show that people of African descent were not intended to be considered part of the “we” but were continually disenfranchised to remain “they.”

Civil Rights & Constitution

The Right to Vote in an Age of Discontent

by Daniel P. Tokaji

In today’s partisan political atmosphere, the right to vote is more important than ever. Professor Tokaji walks readers through the history and evolution of voting rights and the lessons learned through injustices, mainly denying particular groups their right to vote. He urges us to address the failures of voting rights laws in order to help our democracy survive.

Civil Rights & Constitution

Does “We the People” Include Corporations?

by Ciara Torres-Spelliscy

The definition of the word “person” has been debated in the legal system throughout history. Dred Scott proved that African Americans were not considered part of “we the people,” but somehow in the case of Citizens United, a piece of property could be considered a person. Torres-Spelliscy examines the hypocrisy of Supreme Court rulings and makes dire predictions for the future rights corporations are likely to be empowered with.

Human Rights

The Story of “Us”

by Jason Q. Purnell

Purnell shares with readers the texts and lessons he teaches his students when asking them to examine ingroups and outgroups from the beginning of time. Purnell’s students confront history in all its complications and contradictions, particularly for marginalized groups. He proposes that by reevaluating history, we can aim to expand the boundaries of the ingroup to break down barriers.

Civil Rights & Constitution

Civic Duties, Civic Virtues, and the Barriers to Effective Citizenship

by Christopher A. Callaway

Callaway asks: What do citizens owe their government? In discussing civic duties and virtue, he reflects on our current political system and how it challenges people to help maintain a good citizenship. Callaway is hopeful, as we have access to more information than ever and more people have the freedom to vote and exercise civil rights.

Civil Rights & Constitution

Our Heroic Constitution?

by Susan N. Herman

The U.S. Constitution is not without flaws, but it is admirable in many ways. These include providing a framework to allow human rights to flourish and establishing a system of checks and balances to limit executive power. The Constitution also provides an important basis for the real heroes—the human agents who fight for our liberty and equality.

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Vol. 43, No. 2: We the People

Divining Democracy's Divine Dialect

Featured

Is the Third Time the Charm? Reconstructing Personhood and Reimagining “We the People”

The Right to Vote in an Age of Discontent

Does “We the People” Include Corporations?

The Story of “Us”

Civic Duties, Civic Virtues, and the Barriers to Effective Citizenship

Our Heroic Constitution?

ABA Resources

The ABA

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Renew Your ABA Membership

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Vol. 43, No. 2: We the People

Divining Democracy's Divine Dialect

Featured

Is the Third Time the Charm? Reconstructing Personhood and Reimagining “We the People”

The Right to Vote in an Age of Discontent

Does “We the People” Include Corporations?

The Story of “Us”

Civic Duties, Civic Virtues, and the Barriers to Effective Citizenship

Our Heroic Constitution?

ABA Resources

The ABA

Connect