Program Information

The United States Constitution is looked at as the gold standard, by not only people here, but also by people throughout the world who are trying to get their governments in place.

The United States Constitution has been the foundation for the United States government and its citizens for over two hundred years. Many people believe it is the “gold standard” for fledgling democracies all over the world. It calls for the citizens to be active and for government to be accountable to those they govern. Many historians believe the Constitution has made our nation as successful and as powerful as it is; however, many of our citizens have not read or do not understand the Constitution and the foundation of our government. “Questioning the Constitution” looks at the development of the constitution, how it has been interpreted and questions whether the constitution should be reformed. This one-hour documentary was produced by WCVE PBS in partnership with the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia.

Transcript

VOICE OVER: Major funding for QUESTIONING THE CONSTITUTION was provided by Mr. Paul and Victoria Saunders and by Mr. J. Thornton Kirby. QUESTIONING THE CONSTITUTION was produced in collaboration with the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics.

FERRARO: It’s looked at as the gold standard, by not only, you know, people here who, who bother to take a look at the Constitution, but also by people throughout the world who are trying to get their, their governments in place.

WEICKER: It doesn’t take very long to read the Constitution. I mean, you know, any of your viewers. I mean, look, there it is. That’s not a very big thing to go ahead and read. You know, it’s all in there.

LANE: People in power will not protect our democracy for us. They have power, they like power. Democrats want to get their way. Republicans want to get their way. People have to push back and remind people of what these Constitutional principles are.

ADKINS: I think there are things that should change when, when I look at the Constitution. Uh, and I think there are things the Constitution should put in place. I think probably it’s time to revisit the Constitution.

SABATO: Jefferson said, very appropriately, “A little revolution now and then is a good thing.” And indeed it is. It applies as much to our time as it did to his.

WARNER: It has laid the cornerstone to be, and I repeat, the oldest continuously functioning democratic republic on Earth today. All others have gone into the dust bin of history. Don’t tinker with it.

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