Illustration by Gabriella Estrada

By: Emeli Rangel​ – Staff Writer

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. The U.S. Constitution is one of the key documents that our country is founded on.

The Constitution consists of seven articles and 27 amendments, including the Bill of Rights. The public’s interpretation of the Constitution and the rights listed have changed over time.

Debates over the separation of powers between federal and state governments prompt differing interpretations of the Constitution. Clerk Elyse Hoffenberg supports power at the local level.

“I come from local government, and I think that nobody knows the people of my area as well as me, who interacts with them on a daily basis,” Hoffenberg said. “I don’t know how I feel necessarily about the president, who is so far removed, making these grand decisions that impact us here.”

In the news, arguments about whether the federal or state government should be more powerful in controlling conflicts. This question is still up for debate and will continue to be.

The ideology of the U.S. Supreme Court justices has changed over time. Political ideology can structure how our Constitution is read, interpreted and applied in modern times. For example, justices may interpret the Constitution using a loose or a strict constructionist view. Luleta Dardovski, a school board member for the Summit School District, perceives the U.S Constitution as a living document and believes its messages should adapt to modern times.

“The Constitution should be a living document. The Founding Fathers had no concept of modern challenges. The point of the document was freedom and liberty for every individual,” Dardovski said.
Each amendment of the constitution is important however, Sergio Rodriguez, mayor of Summit, argues that the First Amendment freedom of speech is critical.

“For me, [freedom of speech is] the most critical [amendment] because people can voice their opinion and thoughts, whether good or bad,” Rodriguez said. “It gives people the ability to speak out against what they feel is injustice and not worry about prosecution.”