Amending the Constitution

Bringing clarity to the “living document” debate

In writing the U.S. Constitution, the Founders succeeded in establishing a governing structure that ensures extreme viewpoints are moderated by a process of compromise and consensus without which a free society cannot long exist. They purposely made it difficult to enact new laws and ensured amendments to the Constitution survive the test of rigorous debate. In a free society, there are millions of different ideas as to what is best that must be constantly reconciled. We hope you will continue to discuss and debate this issue with us by attending one of our scheduled events or hosting a discussion of your own in your community.

Kick-Off Event, A Conversation on Constitutional Interpretation. February 10, 2020, Georgetown School of Law, Washington, D.C.

Our Constitution: A More or Less Perfect Union?
A discussion on the challenges of originalism

Hosted by Douglas Ginsburg, who will introduce, A More or Less Perfect Union.

The debate between the originalist interpretation of the Constitution versus the living Constitution is a false one. The debate is over how the Constitution will be amended. Through a series of engaging panels across the country sponsored by the Federalist Society and at some of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in the nation, the “living document” debate will be clarified. In writing the U.S. Constitution, the Founders succeeded in establishing a governing structure that ensures extreme viewpoints are moderated by a process of compromise and consensus without which a free society cannot long exist. They purposely made it difficult to enact new laws; ensured states, as well as individuals, are represented in the government, thus reconciling urban and rural cultures and ensured amendments to the Constitution survive the test of rigorous debate. In a free society, there are millions of different ideas as to what is best that must be constantly reconciled.

Federalist Society Panelist - Dr. John Baker of Georgetown

Moderator - George F. Will

Opposing panelist – Justin Hansford, Professor of Law at Howard University and Executive Director of the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center

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