Posted on 12/30/2001 7:59:35 AM PST by fivetoes
Constitutional Questinaire for Elected Officials
Before an immigrant can become a citizen of this country he must pass a test on the basics of our country and its form of government. When public officials take off they swear an oath to support and defend the constitution of the United States.
Oath of Office (President)
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of the President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the United States."
Oath of Office (Senate)
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.
Most public officials throughout the land take a similar oath when taking office.
Now I am not so concerned if an immigrant comes here to find political, religious or any other form of freedom. I think it is nice we make them take a test, but the Constitution does not really have much to fear from the average immigrant. We do, however, trust the preservation of our very form of government to people who say they will preserve, protect and defend it from all enemies foreign and domestic. The sad reality is that these very individuals sometimes cross over and become domestic enemies of the very constitution they are suppose to be defending.
What I am concerned about is how do we know that these people even know what they are taking an oath to defend.. We don't even give them a test! I think we should make Constitutional Study mandatory for all public officials. Included should be an extremely difficult test. After all we are entrusting these people with our very way of life.
With that in mind, I would like to put together a list of questions pertaining to the constitution that would identify those individuals seeking public office that have actually read and understand the constitution. It would also weed out those that would take such a important oath with no knowledge of what they swearing to defend.
There are many resourceful people here who have a better grasp of the constitution than myself. I wrote a piece called It's All My Fault in which I admitted my lack of participation in the political process over the past few decades and resolved to be more active in the future. One way I intend to do this is to take politicians to task on their constitutional knowledge. A prepared list of questions would definitely help me in this effort.
Please post your questions here and I will compile them so that they may be used by anyone to test there elected officials.
When was the last time you took time to read it?
question 2. Who was the first president of the United States?
I say this because some public school history book say it was Lincoln.
question 3. What does unconstitutional mean?
What is the percentage of tax that can be levied on items shipped from one state to another?
Hint: Article 1, Section 9, paragraph 5.
Hint: Article 1, Section 9, paragraph 3
For these "public servants" who have sworn such an oath to protect and defend to say we have a living,breathing Constitution or it is as applicable as a worn out 5th grade dress borders on treason.
At one point in time I suggested that politicians be required to pass a Constitution test. But then that would be against their civil rights! LOL!
Regards from Colorado
Are they being enforced?
What would be the impact if they were enforced as written?
--Boris
With that in mind please try to provide an answer, or hint to where the answer may be found. This may surprise you, but many folks who are on our side do not know where certain information is and would like references.
What is the difference between a civil right and an unalienable right?
Different document I know, but very relevent.
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