The Constitution is a living document whose meaning was not fixed forever at the Philadelphia Convention. Focuses on the slavery compromise and the Fourteenth Amendment to demonstrate defects of the document and its promising evolution through 200 years of American history. (PS)

Admonishes would-be flag-wavers to commemorate the U.S. bicentennial year more quietly by honoring the struggle and sacrifice that has triumphed over a flawed Constitution guaranteeing liberty, justice, and equality to all, but originally allowing slavery. Champions the emergence of new constitutional principles and views the Constitution as a…

Argues that bicentennial celebrations of the U.S. Constitution should be focused on struggles throughout the life of the document rather than the "miracle" of its birth. Illustrates this point by reference to changes in the voting rights and citizenship of black citizens. (BSR)