Laura Maginley
Assoc. News Editor

The date of September 17 may not ring any bells or demonstrate importance, but it is actually the day when all members of the Constitutional Convention signed the final draft of the Constitution back in 1787.  Millersville University, along with all educational institutions in the United States that receive federal funding, is required to observe Constitution Week through educational programs and related activities.  Constitution Week took place from September 17-19 this year.
Dr. Marjorie Warmkessel, special projects librarian and the director of the walker center for civic responsibility and leadership, was in charge of this year’s events.  “The overall message of Constitution Week is to make sure that citizens of the United States are aware of and understand their rights as outlined in the U.S. Constitution,” explained Warmkessel.

laura maginley/ snapper
Dr. Nivedita Bagchi presented as part of the Constitution Day lecture on Monday.

The week’s events included a lecture on the U.S. Constitution, which was given by Dr. Nivedita Bagchi, government and political affairs, in which Bagchi discussed the “Madisonian Constitution” and where the government is headed today.  Bagchi relates today’s political issues, like ObamaCare, to how former President James Madison would interpret the actions made by those in politics.
“It’s up to the American people to decide what to do with this law. Either it is kept or not.  This decision is thrown into the court of public opinions, which Madison would not agree with at all,” explained Bagchi.
In terms of shaping America’s future, Bagchi suggests that all citizens have a greater understanding of the political world around them and do not just listen to political slogans or advertisements.
While it may seem that by celebrating Constitution Week students are taking a step back by focusing on the past, it is meant to encourage student participation by registering to vote.  “Young people, ages 18-29, have important perspectives on local and national issues yet, typically, a smaller percentage of those under 30 vote in national elections than do those over 30. Today’s college students are our future leaders,” said Warmkessel.
For more information on Constitution Day, visit http://constitutioncenter.org/constitution-day/about-constitution-day.