Interactive events highlight Constitution Day observance on campus Wednesday (9/17)

A mock trail, formulated arguments about presidential power, and a showing and discussion of a segment from the HBO film series about America’s second president, John Adams, highlight Purdue University Calumet’s observance of Constitution Day, Wednesday (9/17), beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Each of the following free events is open to the public and will be held in Alumni Hall of the Student Union & Library. Light refreshments will be served.

• 12:30 p.m. – Munster High School’s “We the People” team, comprised of 18 students who participate in academic competition concerning the U.S Constitution, will present formulated arguments and lead a discussion about the topic: “How and Why Has Presidential Power Expanded Since the Ratification of the Constitution?”
• 2 p.m. – Part 5 of the John Adams HBO film series, “Unite or Die,” will be presented. The segment features Adam’s vice presidency under George Washington; his strained relationship with Thomas Jefferson, whom he narrowly defeated to become the nation’s second president; their differences about how the nation should be governed; and the ongoing British-French conflict.
• 5 p.m. – A mock trial, performed by Purdue Calumet students, of Adams’ decision to restrict freedom of speech due to national security issues raised by the Quasi War with France. History graduate students will act as lawyers for the prosecution and defense. Other Purdue Calumet volunteers will serve as witnesses. The audience will be invited to act as the jury.

“This trial will help (audience members) draw their own opinions about the limits of censorship,” said Jill Ranzy, vice president of the Purdue Calumet chapter of Phi Alpha Theta professional history society. She also will portray a prosecutor during the mock trial.

Event coordinator and Purdue Calumet Assistant Professor of History Wendy St. Jean says the Constitution Day observance is a grassroots effort by students to encourage involvement.

Group seating is available. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Susan Van Til in the Department of History and Political Science at 219/989-2347 or by e-mail at skvantil@calumet.purdue.edu.

Joining the Department of History and Political Science in hosting the event are the Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Office of the Chancellor and Phi Alpha Theta.

News Release Date: September 12, 2008