Constitution Breakdown #1: Nikole Hannah-Jones
99% Invisible
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Examining 'We the People': Inclusion and Interpretation
This chapter explores the historical implications of the phrase 'we the people' in the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing its exclusion of marginalized groups, particularly Black individuals. It analyzes the evolving interpretations of the Constitution, particularly through Frederick Douglass's perspectives, and discusses the impact of significant court rulings like Dred Scott on civil rights. The conversation reflects on the failures and aspirations of the Constitution, questioning its relevance in contemporary discussions of race, citizenship, and justice.
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