Ask the Expert: The Constitution & Lessons from a Pandemic
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An engaging session with Justice Sue Leeson as she discusses the classical foundations of our Constitution and how it relates to a national health crisis like COVID-19, the flu pandemic of the early 1900’s is used as an example.
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Justice Sue Leeson, former Oregon Supreme Court Justice.
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SS.9-12.US.13. Investigate the causes and effects of diverse ideologies on politics, society, and culture.
SS.9-12.US.14. Evaluate the impact of individuals and reform movements on the struggle for greater civil rights and liberties.
SS.9-12.US.26. Examine how and why diverse groups have been denied equality and opportunity, both institutionally and informally.
SS.9-12.US.27. Analyze how resistance movements organized and responded to oppression and infringement of civil liberties, and evaluate the impact of the responses
SS.9-12.US.28. Examine how American culture is influenced and shaped by diverse groups and individuals.
SS.9-12.US.33. Compare the evolution of different political, civil, religious, and economic institutions and their influence on individuals, communities, and government policies.
SS.9-12.US.43. Examine the effect of individuals, communities, businesses, and government on the economic policies and decisions of the U.S. over time.
SS.9-12.CE.18. Analyze and evaluate current issues, major legislation, and policies in Nevada politics.
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Complete this concept lesson and use the primary source activity in step 6.
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While the topic presented in this “Ask the Expert” episode is somewhat resolved with the easing of the pandemic, the issue of how we balance the common good with individual rights and find compromises is not. What other issues are there in your community in which the idea of “constitutional rights” has been misunderstood? Who can you contact about this? What can be done to inform the public? How can you help make it so the same response to your identified issue doesn’t occur again, as was the case between the 1918 and the 2020 pandemics?
