In addition to being of general interest to those seeking information on Constitutional history, the Constitution Day site features educational components that will be beneficial to teachers. The presentations are designed to be viewed in chronological order for a full telling of the story, but each episode is self-contained and capable of standing on its own. Each presentation chronicles a specific portion of the path to ratification and features commentary by Livingston, a constitutional scholar. The lectures are augmented with photographs, maps and other images drawn from the Library of Congress and the National Archives that depict many of the people, places and events of those momentous times. The lectures are presented in a short video format used regularly by UTOPIA to make resources at the university more accessible to Web site visitors. Livingston, senior vice president and professor emeritus in the Department of Government at The University of Texas at Austin, describe the origins of the Constitution, from the political and social developments that preceded the 1787 convention to the final approval of the first 10 amendments (the Bill of Rights) four years later. This is one of the key features of the system of federalism the Constitution creates: it seeks to create enough central authority to provide direction, but also to allow enough latitude to states, localities and citizens to act independently within that framework.”įive “mini-lectures” prepared specifically for the site by Dr. “However much this seems like the imposition of a mandate,” he added, “it created an opportunity for people at UT to create interesting and valuable resources. “The federal government is essentially ordering federally funded universities to create resources to foster awareness and understanding of the Constitution. James Henson, assistant director of Liberal Arts Instructional Technology Services and content editor for the site. “The concept of Congress passing a law calling for the celebration of the Constitution is in itself a fascinating example of the complex system the document creates,” said Dr. It commemorates the signing of the Constitution on Sept. Constitution and the state constitution of Texas, a suggested reading list compiled by university faculty and online materials designed specifically for educators.Ĭonstitution Day, mandated by legislation Congress passed in 2004, requires all educational institutions receiving federal funds to hold educational programs on the Constitution. The UTOPIA Constitution Day site features short video lectures on constitutional history, recommended Internet resources which provide access to the text of the United States Constitution and related documents, Web sites that explore the connections between the U.S. AUSTIN, Texas- UTOPIA, the online knowledge gateway at The University of Texas at Austin, has introduced an informational Web site in celebration of Constitution Day 2005 on Sept.
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