Introduction
Montpelier Weekend Seminar - Introduction
This seminar will provide teachers with a foundation in the Constitution, plus a firm grounding in its origins, purposes, and ongoing relevance today. Discussions will focus on the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and its relationship to the Constitution, the debate over ratification between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists, and the origin of the Bill of Rights. Six enduring constitutional and political principles—liberty, republicanism, federalism, representation, separation of powers, and checks and balances—will also be discussed, incorporating nonpartisan conversation on constitutional interpretation, and the meaning of citizenship under the Constitution.
Apply Online!
Apply online for the Montpelier Seminars and take our free online course on the Constitution.
Introduction Sample Agenda
View a sample agenda from past programs. Though the actual schedule for future seminars may differ, the essential components of the program will remain the same.
Introduction Seminar Readings
All reading materials are provided in advance of the Seminar; however, participants are not expected to complete all of the readings beforehand. A few key selections should be read in advance, but most of the texts will take on a greater significance when they are read and discussed as a group. Click here to view the complete list of readings.
Seminar Scholars
Henry L. Chambers, Jr., J.D. has been Professor of Law at the University of Richmond School of Law since 2004. He has published articles and essays on issues as varied as constitutional law, voting rights, employment discrimination, sexual harassment, criminal law, and evidence. He also lectures on constitutional law principles in the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution program, a civic education program for teachers. He received both his law and undergraduate degrees from the University of Virginia.
Henry Chambers will teach the October 28-30, 2011, Introduction to the Constitution Seminar.
Eugene Hickok, PH.D. is a well-known constitutional scholar and former Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education and once Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Hickok has also taught political science at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, and served as special assistant in the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel. His writings have appeared in the 'Chronicle of Higher Education,' 'Education Week,' 'The Washington Post,' 'The Washington Times,' and other publications.
Eugene Hickok will teach the April 20-22, 2012, Introduction to the Constitution Seminar.
