The Constitution in American Life: Featuring the Friends of Publius

Who Should Interpret the Constitution

Mike Season 1 Episode 12

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.