Constitutional Questionaire for Elected Officials

self ^ | 12/30/01 | Tom Buchanan

[blackbart1]

What I am concerned about is how do we know that these people even know what they are taking an oath to defend..

This is so true I am afraid. Everyone who decides to run for office should be able to pass a test on the consititution to show that they know more than the basics. This would be a great idea. Something we should push as citizens!

[kennyo]

Think of how lawyers work.It always helps to ask questions like"What are the chief arguments of your opponents?".Many people who espouse a cause have no idea really of what their opponents are saying.For example,many here are familiar with the Federalist Papers(which would provide a much broader base of knowledge to be tested,for our representatives)but there were also the "anti-federalist papers".Reading the other side usually brings the issues into sharper focus.So,for example,a good question might be something like"Why did many framers believe that the Bill of Rights was not neccessary and maybe even dangerous?"

[fivetoes]

During the pre-election time, there are candidate forums just about everywhere. Can you imagine the ultimate freep if we all showed up armed with pointed questions that would embarrass candidates?

CANDIDATE NAME, if elected you will be taking an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States from all enemies foreign and domestic. With that in mind I would like to test your knowledge of contents of that document to ensure that you actually know what you will be defending.

Would you please answer the following question(s)...

I can foresee much public squirming from a panels of folks running for positions as city council members, mayors, county commisionors, sheriffs, governors, state and national representative and senators and presidents.

We, the people have the power to have the government we choose. This would take but a small effort, but it would be effective in weeding out those whose only intentions are to control the masses. I say hammer them hard on these issues before they get into office!

[fivetoes]

After we determine that elected officials indeed know the constitution we can work on punishment for violating the sacred oth of office.

Oh, what the heck, let's work on public humiliation of them now!

[fivetoes]

btt

[fivetoes]

I believe that 90% of the laws we fight over in this country aren't Constitutional

I think the first thing we need to do is assume responsibility for OUR government and then get involved in the process. If we can assure ourselves that the races for public office will be between candidates that at least know what they are taking an oath on we can change the dialog and make references to the constitution that we can all agree on.

Once we have public servants that understand this then we can work on the elimination of such unconstitutional laws. It will be an uphill battle indeed. If we do not have any hope of reversing the trend then we are all wasting time and should be preparing for the future in other ways.

[SierraWasp]

"but I believe I have a better understanding than most elected officials."

You probably care a whole lot more than any of them. By the way... Why should they care? Really! I want you to provide the answer to that. Really!

Anyone care to help fivetoes? Splain it ta me!!!

[SierraWasp]

Hay fivetoes! When are you gonna run for anything? You got us in this mess. I think it's only fair that you now stick your neck out and run for at least County Commissioner, or City Council! Think you could take being in the actual arena instead of sittin at a keyboard thinkin up highschoolish quizzes?

How do you really think you'd do in a "Candidate's Night" forum? What if you won all the arguments, but lost the election? Do people elect the clever, or the wise, or what? Do you really trust the people to know the difference?

[dobbyman]

What is the context and/or theme of the Bill of Rights?

Of course the answer is - it is a list of restrictions and prohibitions against the government and NOT a list of rights. If they get this answer wrong, then likely they believe that Government gives rights to the people instead of the rights being unalienable.

I would say this is the most important question and will really separate the defenders of the Constitution from the enemies of the Constitution.

Dobbyman

[fivetoes]

What is the definition of a domestic enemy of the constitution?

[fivetoes]

What is the definition of a foreign enemy of the constitution?

[fivetoes]

Would you clasify anyone who supports or votes for unconstitutional laws as a domestic enemy?

[fivetoes]

According to the constitution, should the Department of Education be run by the federal government?

[dpa5923]

Good question. Most people don't understand the need for a Bill of rights and don't understand where they came from or why.

[dpa5923]

Excellent question!

[breakem]

I oppose giving this test. It assumes they can read and have some level of comprehension. Most of the pols I've seen are not functioning at any respectable level of literacy.

[fivetoes]

Semper Fi!

That is the reason I host an annual Bill of Rights Day Celebration here in Loveland, Colorado.

[fivetoes]

The purpose is to assume nothing. If they don't undersatnd what they are swearing to defend they should be eliminated from the competition as unqualified to take the oath.