Join us for a friendly online taster lecture to find out what it might be like to study politics at university.
Session time: Thursday 17 November, 15.35-16.20
TOPIC: The US constitution as a sacred text
Dr Michael Frazer, Associate Professor in Political and Social Theory in the School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies will discuss The US Constitution as a Sacred Text.
One famous difference between the political systems in the US and the UK is that the US has a written constitution while the UK lacks one. While many other countries also have written constitutions, they generally do not play the central cultural role that the constitution plays in American life.
Key to understanding American politics is understanding that the constitution is no mere legal document, but rather a sacred text, more akin to the scriptures of traditional religions than to the constitutions of other modern states. Many Americans literally believe the constitution to be divinely inspired; even those who do not literally believe this often act as if they did.
Political debate in the United States generally takes the form about the proper interpretation of the constitution and the values implicit in it. In this respect, the American form of government might be better understood by analogy with the Iranian regime than to the British one. While containing some democratic representation, both the American and Iranian governments also grant tremendous power to non-elected officials who claim expertise in the authoritative interpretation of sacred texts.
Suitable for: Year 12 & 13 students (and equivalent) studying, or with a possible interest in studying, politics and related disciplines.
For details and to book your place, visit:
https://www.channeltalent.co.uk/event/us-politics-the-us-constitution-as-a-sacred-text-with-dr-michael-frazer-from-university-of-east-anglia/