Reading the Constitution by itself is not enough

EMCS

Reading the Constitution by itself is not enough. You need to read at least the Federalist Papers to have it explained why each provision is there and what each means. Pity Congress, most White Houses and most Supreme Court members seem to have skipped that entirely and so come up with outlandish interpretations. Here they are:

http://www.foundingfathers.info/federalistpapers/

Mr. Perfect

I suppose if one really wants to know the why's for everything written therein, one could read volumes, and not come to all the right conclusions. But if one merely wants to know the "what's" look no further than the document itself. It's quite clear, actually (in most cases).

COBmmcmss

EMCS,

I must humbly disagree with your assessment. If you only include the Federalist papers, then you are short changing the intent of why you were recommending reading them in the first place.

The Federalist papers were a series of articles by various authors. I'd recommend to get a more balanced preview of what the Constitution would be before the signing, I'd read the Jefferson papers also.

COB

quote:Originally posted by emcs.security
Reading the Constitution by itself is not enough. You need to read at least the Federalist Papers to have it explained why each provision is there and what each means. Pity Congress, most White Houses and most Supreme Court members seem to have skipped that entirely and so come up with outlandish interpretations. Here they are:

http://www.foundingfathers.info/federalistpapers/

JamesRK

Like most law and legal documents, it matters less what the legislator meant to say than what he put in writing. It matters, but less.

Waco Waltz

CHECK! As well as the writings of the founders and the writings of those who influenced the founders.

EMCS

COBmmcmss
"EMCS
The Federalist papers were a series of articles by various authors. I'd recommend to get a more balanced preview of what the Constitution would be before the signing, I'd read the Jefferson papers also."

I agree with reading the Jefferson papers , The Federalist papers were a starting point to get people interested .[:)]

River Rat

Thank you for the link to that site! I haven't read the FP in years, and look forward to reading it online.

While Mr. Perfect is, well, perfectly right, in that the Constitution and BoR themselves stand as law and should be all one needs, we see people today twisting their meaning. People who know better, and who are violating their sworn oath to protect the Constitution. The Federalist Papers were written to explain the reasoning behind the Constitution and Bill of Rights, in essence to "sell" them to the public while the ratification process was underway. In their own words, the Founders give clarity.

I also agree that the collected writings -- letters, journals, etc. -- of the Founders provide important background that explains why these documents say what they say. The intent becomes more clear. It's as if they could foresee the BS we are hearing today.

Thanks for the link, EMCS!

EMCS

River Rat ''Thanks for the link, EMCS!"

You're Welcome.[:)]