Join the Washington Center of Civics, Culture, and Statesmanship this Thursday for a public lecture by the Center's Director, who will examine the distinction between America's written Constitution and the unwritten constitution under which we actually live.

What is our constitution? Is it the Constitution drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788? In an obvious sense, no: it was soon amended with the Bill of Rights in 1791, and then amended many times thereafter. But do we live under the Constitution with all its subsequent amendments? In a sense that is not so obvious, again no. Beginning with an ancient distinction between the written and the unwritten constitution, this talk will present a map of the unwritten constitution according to which we actually live. This unwritten constitution is not only different from the written constitution; it is opposed to it. After recognizing this hidden opposition, what’s really going on in many current political controversies will become clearer. The purpose of the talk is not to say which constitution we should have, nor is it to provide the correct answers to any current controversy. The talk’s purpose is instead to dispel some myths about them, so that political actors (whichever side they take in these controversies) can act more honestly.

This talk is being given at the invitation of Young Americans for Freedom (YAF), WVU chapter, in recognition of Constitution Day.