These days I’m studying Article 2 of the Constitution, which deals with the executive branch of government. I knew contemporary politics is enraging, but I’ve been surprised at how many clauses of the Constitution are disappointing. Last week, Article 2 §1.5, which determines eligibility for the presidency, got me hot under the collar. Article 2 §1.6 is about presidential succession. Maybe it will restore my faith in America.
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Presidential Succession – Constitution Article 2 §1.6
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No Preference – Constitution Article 1 §9.6
On Wednesdays we study the Constitution. I thought I’d never finish Article 1, Section 8, which lists the powers of Congress. But I finally got to Section 9, which limits the powers of Congress. It started off weak, but it’s getting better. Last week I learned about the ban on export taxes. This week I’m on to Article 1 §9.6, the “no preference clause,” which requires Congress to treat the states equally.
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Punishment of Counterfeiting – Constitution Article 1 §8.6
This week I’m studying Article 1 §8.6 of the Constitution. It’s about the Congress’ power to punish counterfeiters. I’m not particularly interested in counterfeiting, but I am interested in living in a country that works. In the wonderful anime series Kino’s Journey, a character who’s looking to settle down wanders into a nice, boring country where people live in peace and freedom and are welcoming to newcomers. His companion says it seems like a perfectly normal place, to which he replies, “A lot of people have to work very hard to make a place normal.”
Democracy is not for spectators; but to participate, you have to know the rules. That’s why I’m studying the Constitution, one clause at a time. I’m up to Article 1 §8.6. Read More
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About Impeachment, Constitution Article 1 §3.6
Democracy is hard, but it helps if you know what you’re doing. I want to be better at democracy so I’m studying the Constitution, and blogging what I learn. I read through the entire Constitution on Memorial Day. It was a short read, and seemed simple. But it’s kind of dry and easy to skim over. So now I’m going back through and studying each clause to make sure I really get it.
Let me know if you think I don’t, or if you have insights I miss. After all, in a functioning democracy we should all be Constitutional scholars. Read More