Students and faculty discussed the longevity, success and failure of the U.S. Constitution at the Hot Topics luncheon in the Nelson Hall last week. About 20 students attended the event.

The event was part of Constitution Day that celebrated the document’s adoption in its original form on Sept. 17, 1787 by the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. The document was later ratified by conventions in each state.

Points of discussion ranged from judicial review to speculation of why other countries emulate the U.S. Constitution. Freshman Greg Sobetski, involved in a “Transnational Justice” first-year seminar, asked about the widespread popularity of the Constitution. Marty Katz, co-facilitator of the discussion, said in response, “Political scientists are still trying to figure that out.”

Katz believes that there are multiple speculations as to why the U.S. Constitution has been able to survive 220 years in a country notoriously known for frequent social and political change.

The discussion also turned to the relevance of the Constitution in modern day and the role individuals had in how it is used.

“Who decides how we interpret the Constitution?” asked Katz. “Is it the court, the people?”

The lecture also generated dialogue about the ability of U.S. citizens to uphold the document.

“The Constitution is only as strong as the education of its citizens,” said first-year student Tiffany Montano, a student in the same seminar as Sobetski.

“I care about data, and I don’t have numbers for you,” said Susan Sterret, who facilitated the discussion, “but I can say it is remarkable what Americans don’t know [about U.S. history].”

Karen Bensen, the director of Partners in Learning, was pleased with the turnout and said it was “one of the largest turn outs we have ever had.”

If you would like more information about Constitution Day, visit www.constitutionday.com or if you are interested in suggesting a topic for another Hot Topic Lunch, contact Karen Bensen at kbensen2@du.edu.