Omar Bennett
In the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning series Constitution USA, Peter Sagal travels across the United States on a customised red, white, and blue Harley-Davidson to find out where the Constitution lives, how it works, and how it unites the nation. The series explores the Constitution's most striking feature, its resilient brand of federalism, and the delicate balance of power between a strong national government and the preservation of the power and independence of the states. Sagal also examines the systems that have kept the Constitution healthy, such as amendments, judicial interpretation, and checks and balances, as well as the political forces that threaten to undermine the framers' vision, including excessive partisanship, money in politics, and gerrymandering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Host | Peter Sagal |
| Format | TV series |
| Number of episodes | 4 |
| Episode titles | Created Equal, Built to Last |
| Premiere date | May 2013 |
| Premiere channel | PBS |
| Peter Sagal's mode of transport | Motorcycle |
| Peter Sagal's journey | Across the U.S., from New York to San Francisco, Missoula to Tyler, Texas |
| Topics covered | Free speech, same-sex marriage, voting rights, separation of church and state, federal power, etc. |
| Episode themes | How the Constitution works in the 21st century, why the U.S. Constitution has lasted so long |
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What You'll Learn
Peter Sagal's journey across the country
Sagal explored the Constitution's resilience and how it works in the 21st century, examining its delicate balance of power, which has served America well for centuries but has also led to tensions over issues like medical marijuana, gun control, and Obamacare. He delved into the history of the Bill of Rights and its guarantees of liberty, and discussed contemporary stories involving freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to privacy.
In one episode, Sagal visited Hoover Dam to illustrate federal power during a crisis and considered whether the federal government should tell us what to do. He also explored the first amendment and the right to free speech, as well as the separation of church and state.
In another episode, Sagal reflected on the 14th Amendment and its role in every fight for fairness. He discussed how it took a civil war and a constitutional amendment for equality to become a written guarantee.
In the final episode, Sagal travelled to Iceland, where, after an economic collapse, leaders created a new constitution inspired by the U.S. Constitution. This prompted Sagal to contemplate why the U.S. Constitution has endured for over 225 years, examining the systems that have kept it healthy, such as amendments, judicial interpretation, and checks and balances. He also considered the political forces that threaten the framers' vision, such as excessive partisanship and money in politics.
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The 14th Amendment
In his search for the Constitution, Peter Sagal explores the importance of the 14th Amendment in modern America. The 14th Amendment has been at the heart of every fight for fairness in the country for over a century. It is a crucial part of how Americans understand themselves and their nation.
However, the reality of equality was not immediately realised. African Americans were freed from slavery and granted rights, but these rights existed mainly on paper. State laws, particularly in the South, continued to disenfranchise African Americans and enforce segregation. It would take a long struggle to overcome deeply rooted racism and fully realise the ideal of equality.
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Amendments and their impact
In his search for the US Constitution, Peter Sagal of NPR's Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me! travels across the country by motorcycle to find out where the Constitution lives, how it works, and how it doesn't.
The US Constitution has had 27 amendments, the first ten of which are known as the Bill of Rights and were ratified on December 15, 1791. Amendments to the Constitution have had a profound impact on the country, addressing crucial issues such as slavery and equality.
One of the most significant amendments is the 14th Amendment, which guarantees equality under the law. This amendment was hard-won, coming only after a long and bloody civil war. The 14th Amendment has been central to every fight for fairness in the country and remains at the heart of many contemporary debates. It is an important part of how Americans understand themselves and their nation, guaranteeing that "We the People" have the same rights and liberties.
Another issue addressed by amendments to the Constitution was slavery, which was a fundamental contradiction at the heart of the document. While most people were guaranteed certain rights and liberties, slaves were denied these same freedoms. This contradiction eventually led to the Civil War, and it was only after this conflict that slavery was abolished and the Constitution amended to reflect this change.
The impact of these amendments cannot be overstated, as they have helped shape the nation's identity and unite its people under a set of shared values and ideals. They have also been a source of ongoing debate and interpretation, with Americans continually grappling with the meaning and application of these amendments in their daily lives.
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Federalism
In his search for the US Constitution, Peter Sagal explores the concept of Federalism, which is one of the most important and innovative ideas in the document, although the term is never explicitly mentioned. Federalism is defined as a "hybrid arrangement that mixes elements of a 'confederation' and a 'unitary' government".
In the US context, Federalism refers to the sharing of power between the national government and the state governments. The US Constitution is underpinned by the tensions arising from this power-sharing arrangement. The question of the proper role of the national government versus the states remains a subject of ongoing debate in the US.
The US Constitution recognises the powers of state governments, and the Tenth Amendment further underscores this by enumerating the powers of the states. The Commerce Clause, which grants the federal government the authority to regulate interstate commerce, is one of the most significant powers of the federal government. However, the interpretation of the Commerce Clause has been a subject of legal debate, with the Supreme Court ruling in some cases that Congress lacks the authority to regulate certain areas under the clause, thus upholding states' rights.
The US political system operates under a Cooperative Federalism model, where the federal government and state governments intersect and sometimes conflict. The federal government has broad powers, including taxation, declaring war, establishing foreign policy, regulating interstate commerce, making copyright and patent laws, establishing post offices, and coining money. On the other hand, states have their own elected leaders (governors), lawmaking bodies (state legislatures), and court systems (state courts) that interpret state laws, leading to variations in laws across different states.
The evolution of Federalism in the US has been shaped by historical events and political shifts. The Philadelphia convention in 1787 marked a turning point, as delegates considered a new form of government, abandoning the Articles of Confederation in favour of a federal system. The Federalist Party, which supported this new constitution, rose to prominence with the election of John Adams but went into decline after his defeat in 1800 and the death of Hamilton. The party was further weakened by the Hartford Convention of 1814, where New England states discussed constitutional amendments to protect their interests during the War of 1812, raising the possibility of secession.
In conclusion, Federalism in the US Constitution represents a unique blend of centralised and decentralised power, shaping the dynamic relationship between the federal government and the individual states. Peter Sagal's exploration of this concept provides valuable insights into the complexities of the US political system and the ongoing debates surrounding the role of the federal government.
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The founding document's longevity
In the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning series Constitution USA, Peter Sagal embarks on a journey across the United States to explore the longevity of the nation's founding document, the Constitution, and its relevance in the 21st century. The series premiered on PBS in May 2013 and consists of four episodes, with Sagal travelling on a customised red, white, and blue Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
The longevity of the US Constitution is a remarkable aspect of American history and politics. The document has endured for more than 225 years, serving as the foundation of the nation's laws and values. However, as Sagal discovers, it is not just the age of the document that is impressive, but also its ability to adapt and be interpreted for the modern era.
One key aspect of the Constitution's longevity is its federalist structure. The framers of the Constitution created a strong national government while preserving the power and independence of individual states. This delicate balance of power has allowed for disagreement and conflict, sparking controversies over issues like medical marijuana, gun control, and Obamacare. Despite these tensions, the federalist system has served America well for over two centuries.
Another factor contributing to the Constitution's longevity is its ability to be amended. Over time, thousands of amendments have been proposed, with 27 successfully ratified. These amendments have addressed both small and large issues, such as moving the date of presidential inaugurations and ending slavery. The process of amending the Constitution, outlined in Article V, ensures that it remains a living document capable of evolving with the needs and values of each generation.
In the series, Sagal also explores the role of judicial interpretation and checks and balances in maintaining the health of the Constitution. He examines the potential threats to the framers' vision, including excessive partisanship, money in politics, and gerrymandering. By understanding these forces, Sagal provides insight into the ongoing work required to preserve the Constitution's longevity.
Through his journey, Sagal highlights the resilience and adaptability of the US Constitution, demonstrating how it has endured as the foundation of American democracy for over two centuries. By engaging with experts, scholars, and everyday Americans, he uncovers the stories and controversies that have shaped the nation's founding document and continue to influence its future.
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Frequently asked questions
Peter Sagal is on a search to find out where the U.S. Constitution lives, how it works, and how it unites the nation.
Peter Sagal begins his journey in New York.
Sagal travels to San Francisco, Missoula, Montana, and Tyler, Texas, among other cities and small towns across America.
Peter Sagal travels across the country by motorcycle, specifically a customised red, white, and blue Harley-Davidson.
Peter Sagal explores several contemporary stories and debates, including free speech in the digital age, same-sex marriage, voting rights, and the separation of church and state. He also delves into the history behind these topics and discusses the impact of the Constitution on the lives of everyday Americans.
