Celebrate Your Citizenship
Cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead proclaimed of citizenship, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
In a nation so rich in political and social dialogue, and bursting with weighty issues of health care, education, military strategy/philosophy, and much more, it is now—more than ever—an exciting time to be a citizen. On Constitution Day, we are reminded not only of our rights as citizens, as given in our founding documents, but of our duties as citizens.
As an institute of higher education, Union Institute & University’s mission is to engage, enlighten, and empower, and through our academic programs, we urge our learners to realize the social implications of their study and to use their research to uplift the communities in which they serve. Begin your own education today by joining in the national conversation about our country’s identity and values.
“Who are ‘We the People’ Today?”
Dr. Christopher Voparil, Cohort Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies faculty member, begins our discussion with “Who are ‘We the People’ Today?” an essay concerning how the nation’s citizens rewrite and remold America’s identity. Dr. Voparil asks, “So who are ‘We’ at the dawn of the 21st century? What mythistorical story will Americans tell about themselves when they enter the polls in November 2008?” Read more…
National Constitution Center: Knowledge is Power
Constitution Newswire
Tune into the National Constitution Center's Constitution Newswire, which features daily news stories relating to the Constitution. Scan the headlines, read the stories, and sign up to receive Constitution Newswire updates.
Knowing it By Heart
Read Knowing it By Heart: Americans Consider the Constitution and its Meaning, a study published by the National Constitution Center's Citizen Action Center and funded by the John S. and James. L. Knight Foundation, focuses on the Constitution's place in today's society and reflects on its relevance in the daily lives of Americans.
Justice Talking: Join the Conversation
A National Public Radio (NPR) program concerned with law and politics in America, Justice Talking presents you with the opportunity to “read, listen, and discuss” pertinent issues of the day, including health care, education, and the military. Simply listen to a short broadcast below to learn more, then join in the conversation on an NPR blog, where you can express your own views on the topic and engage in powerful dialogue with your community.
Health Care: “Have Health Officials Become the Diet Police?”
School Violence: “What Can Be Done to Make Our Schools Safer?”
Social Justice: “The Rights of the Mentally Ill”
Citizen Action Center: Engage and Empower
Peruse the National Constitution Center's Citizen Action Center, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, to become more involved. Learn more about your elected officials, access voting results, and find the best way to contact your local government to speak out about issues important to you.
Learn more about your country and your Constitution...
View a collection of America’s historical documents, such as the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Emancipation Proclamation. Also browse the Archival Research Catalog
The Continental Congress Collection
Browse extracts of the journals of Congress, resolutions, proclamations, committee reports, treaties, and early printed versions of the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence