Constitution Day Celebration

RSVP: sherryocdc@live.com

When: Thursday, September 17, 5- 6:30 pm
Where: Well of the State House, Montpelier
What: "We the People": The Quest for a More Perfect Union


Speaker: Professor Sheldon Novick, Vermont Law School

People have always disagreed about the meaning of the Constitution, beginning with its first words, "We the People of the United States." The Preamble seems to speak of one people, but owing to compromises made with slavery and tradition, not everyone could be a citizen, vote, or hold office. Gradually, since the Civil War, non-white men and women of all races have been gaining full legal citizenship. Our federal republic has been moving toward the "more perfect Union" free of compromises that the Preamble promised. President Obama says that his appointment of the first Latina to the Supreme Court is another step in that direction.

During his long association with the Vermont Law School, Professor Novick has taught Constitutional Law and American Legal History, among other courses. Among his major publications are a highly acclaimed biography of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes and a three volume Collected Works of Justice Holmes."

Refreshments will be served in the Cedar Creek Room.

Sponsored by the Committee on the Protection of Constitutional Rights, sub-committee of the Vermont Democratic State Committee.