The Constitution in American Life: Featuring the Friends of Publius

Who Should Interpret the Constitution

Mike Season 1 Episode 12

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0:00 | 1:14:04

In this episode, the Friends of Publius discuss who should interpret the constitution and which methods they should use to do so.  This question is from Unit 4, Question 3 of the Center for Civic Education’s We the People curriculum. 

Discussion Question Unit 4 Question 3

“It is emphatically the province and duty of the Judicial Department to say what the law is.”  Do you agree or disagree?  Who decides what the Constitution means?

*When, if ever, should different branches or levels of government be allowed to interpret the Constitution differently?  How should such conflicts be resolved?

*Has judicial review been good or bad for the American republic?  Explain your position.