A Layman's Study of the Original Intent of the Framers

The most basic and essential elements of our daily lives - from what we eat to where we live to what we hear - are deeply and perpetually affected, not by just the written words of the Constitution of the United States of America, but by the interpretation and application of those words.

How those words are interpreted and applied holds enormous consequence for our liberties and freedoms.  Is the Constitution a "living document" or must the Constitution be interpreted and applied according to the original intent of the Framers?

The Institute for Constitutional Policy is pleased to present Origins of the Constitution,  a layman's study of the original intent of the Framers. Taught live onsite by The Institute's president, Curtis Coleman, this 13-session non-partisan study is examination of the Framer's original intent and purpose.

Origins of the Constitution includes a description of the original understanding (as far as can be determined) of key Articles and Amendments, and includes an explanation of the current state of the law and its historical development.

The "Origins" examination includes:

• The evident meaning of key words
• The meaning of key words at the time they were first written
• The meaning in comparison with other sections of the Constitution
• The meaning according to the words by the Framer suggesting the language
• The meaning in the context of the revolutionary struggle in which they were written
• How and why it matters to us today.

Without question, the Framers formed a frame of government for "ourselves and our Posterity."  "We the people" includes the generation of the Framers down to and including our own.  It may well be up to us if our Constitution will include our children's generation.

Origins of the Constitution is currently scheduled for the following Arkansas cities on the following dates:

Texarkana
Final Session
Tuesday, June 5 
6:30 p.m.
Holiday Inn Exprerss
5210 Crossroads Park

Heber Springs
Final Session
June 14
6:30 p.m.
Entergy Room at Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University Heber Springs Campus

Monticello - Every third Thursday of the month
7:00 p.m.
Drew County Chamber of Commerce
335 E. Gaines

Conway - Every second Monday of the month
7:00 p.m.
The Multi-Purpose Room of the Conway Police Department
1105 Prairie Street

Each session is an hour (or less) and cost only $5 per person per session.  Students under the age of 20 and Members of The Institute may attend at no charge.  No advance reservations are required.  Seating is limited.

The Federalist Papers

The U. S. Constitution