Discover the rich history of the plantation and historic house on this guided tour. Property pass included in ticket price.
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Description
Constitution Crash Course Series
The Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution at James Madison’s Montpelier is offering three in-person programs focused on engagement with the U.S. Constitution. You are invited to attend the programs individually, or enjoy the entire series that will take place on Saturday afternoons at 3pm-4pm in Claude Moore Hall. On April 25th, we consider the original seven articles of the Constitution with a focus on James Madison’s role and their revolutionary stamp. On May 16th, we will focus on Madison’s extraordinary political prowess in shepherding our Bill of Rights. On June 6th, we will briefly review our last 17 amendments and consider some of the proposals for future amendments.
“Constitution 101: Madison explains the 7 Articles of the Constitution” April 25th
There’s just 7 Articles and just over 4,500 words in our original Constitution. This program will explore many of the features of those 7 Articles through the lens of “The Father of the Constitution”. We’ll consider the Constitution through the lens of James Madison’s Virginia Plan proposals – the ones adopted and the proposals defeated – as well as Madison’s service as Congressional Representative, Secretary of State, and President.
“Constitution 201: Architect of the Bill of Rights” May 16th
This program will explore James Madison’s crucial role and political maneuvering in getting the Bill of Rights added to the U.S. Constitution. We will also consider some landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases that applied the language of the Bill of Rights to specific controversies in the last 7-70 years.
“Consitution 301: Amendments 11-27, and Beyond” June 6th
Our Constitution was written 239 years ago and first amended in 1791 with “The Bill of Rights.” This program will briefly survey the subsequent amendments on Voting, Alcohol, Representation, the Presidency, and even money! Ideally we’ll get to briefly consider what the future might hold for the Amendment process.