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LAWYER-WORDS IN CLOUDS OF DARKNESS
LAWYER-WORDS IN CLOUDS OF DARKNESS
THE BRITISH AND AMERICAN CONSTITUTIONS
I have been trying, you see, to emphasize that the relationship of people to land and water is the basis of any people's living constitution—not lawyer-words rolling high in the clouds of legal darkness. And I have tried to define the word constitution, bearing in mind the various meanings given to it in previous centuries.
Since our Constitution grew out of the British system (which, substantially, was ours as well, until the Declaration of Independence in 1776), I think it would be helpful for us to have brief outlines of the British and American constitutions. It is true that we cannot outline what is in the hearts of the people even if we are doctors or psychoanalysts. But by examining lists, events, dates, and great documents, we can more easily understand the development of American society and thought.
So I present two outlines: one of the British constitution to 1776, and one of our own constitution to date. Read them, and get them in mind. Then we can begin with the Magna Carta and go through with the story.
Since our Constitution grew out of the British system (which, substantially, was ours as well, until the Declaration of Independence in 1776), I think it would be helpful for us to have brief outlines of the British and American constitutions. It is true that we cannot outline what is in the hearts of the people even if we are doctors or psychoanalysts. But by examining lists, events, dates, and great documents, we can more easily understand the development of American society and thought.
So I present two outlines: one of the British constitution to 1776, and one of our own constitution to date. Read them, and get them in mind. Then we can begin with the Magna Carta and go through with the story.
