Justice Scalia to Teach First Congressional ‘Constitution 101’ Class

When the 112th Congress convenes next year, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann’s Tea Pary Caucus will get a crash course on the constitutional separation of powers by Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia, CNN reports. Justice Scalia will lead the first of the constitutional seminars for members of Congress in late January.

Bachmann spokesman Doug Sachtelben says the educational series is a response to conservatives’ calls for a return to constitutional principles in governing.

So what might a syllabus for Justice Scalia’s class (or future Tea Party classes) look like? According to Sachtelben, the bi-monthly seminars will “bring up principles that are familiar to the members,” including the Bill of Rights and constitutional role of government.

In an interview with radio host Lou Dobbs, Bachmann compared the classes to sports practices for athletes:

“We’re going to practice every week, if you will, our craft, which is studying and learning the Declaration, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights,” Bachmann said. “We’ll have a speaker, we’ll have questions and answers, we’ll wrap our minds around this magnificent document.”

Comments (144)

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  • benrush
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 6:47am

    I vote for Judge Napolitano to conduct the classes, and I recommend The 5000 Year Leap and The Making of America.

    Report Post »  
  • BlkandPrepper
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 6:34am

    Its a great idea but i some how have a difficult time trusting that nan one of em really give a BLEEP and if not required to attend they will all have some excuse as to “why” they didn’t go to the class. I used to be the one moaning and groaning till i actually got a pocket copy and decided to SEE what it was i was “missing” and WOW! i was like this stuff was never taught to me now was it? Why did the constitution get “glazed” over in school? why was it?

    Report Post » BlkandPrepper  
  • Slayer
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 6:11am

    Imagine the Lefty heads assploding when they hear about this.
    Imagine the RINO heads assploding too – sad to say.

    Report Post » Slayer  
  • EP46
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 6:05am

    If John Roberts teaches a session I would love to see it. I agree with QUITERIOT ….. CSPAN would be great. I doubt PBS would show it, they have drifted too far left.

    Report Post »  
  • Harvey
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 5:49am

    Thank God we have someone in Congress that cares enough about this Great Nation to try to improve it.Now if we could get this same thing back in our Nations classroms we might save it.
    The only thing i see thats wrong with this is that all the elected officals, from both parties are not required to attend and then have to pass a very tough test on it to keep their job.

    GOD BLESS SENATOR MICHELE BACHMANN,A TRUE AMERICAN.

    Report Post »  
  • QuietRiot
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 5:29am

    Can this be put on PBS? Or CSPAN

    Report Post »  
    • CK
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:15am

      THIS IS A GREAT IDEA!!! Any chance that we could get these lectures made available to the public?

      I took a seminar in which we used Ethics In America as the core curriculum. Scalia was featured prominently in the program, and he was easily as instructive as any professor I’ve ever had–graduate or undergraduate programs alike. What a tremendous resource those lectures would be.

      Report Post »  
    • LAKEGUY13
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 10:45am

      There is already a similar class available on-line. Go to “TheKirbyCenter.org” for info. This is the Washington DC Center sponsored by Hillsdale College and it is dedicated to teaching Constitutional History and Principles.

      Report Post »  
  • New-American-Saviors
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 4:55am

    “OLD WHITE MEN” Can’t run Our shiny new YOUNG Country…. they shoutd in ‘08. Well sit back now and learn from the Masters…..

    Report Post »  
  • Just Dave
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 4:47am

    This is an indictment against our failed school system.

    Report Post »  
    • 1911a1
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 5:30am

      I think to a big degree you are right . It is good they are at least going to learn about the founding documents , but it is very poor form that the people in the highest positions of our government do not know the basic principles of our Constitution. But we as parents cannot trust any one else to teach our children these basic fundamentals of freedom (IE. the public Gov. fool system and teachers union comrades) . WE must educate ourselves and teach our kids our selves these thing so they will not be lost , and so they will be able to recognize what are leaders are doing . future generations and our country need this like we all need God and Air . the best tool for this is IMO 5000yr leap , get it , study it , and teach it to your kids !

      Report Post » 1911a1  
    • limitfree
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 4:38pm

      They haven’t “failed”, the far left NEA has been very successful in indoctrinating our children into the “progressive” worldview. Our children are woefully ignorant of the constitution, our founding principles, and American exceptionalism. I only wish that the commie bastards HAD failed.

      Report Post » limitfree  
  • Damifiknow
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 4:31am

    I ment to say C span

    Report Post »  
  • Jediusetheforce
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 4:28am

    Now someone besides Glenn is finally using the force!

    Report Post »  
  • Damifiknow
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 4:22am

    I think it should be on CNN and every media outlet should be talking about it so the general public can watch and learn. That’s what George Washington wanted was for all the people to know and learn the documents and their rights …. Oh happy day

    Report Post »  
  • antilevy
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 4:06am

    It’s too bad that the leadership of the Republicans chooses to ignore Michele Bachmann. She has been left out of any important committees that mean anything to the Constitutionally of the stuff that is being passed thru Congress. I do say, that, come 2012, me thinks it’s gonna be another day of “taking out the trash” you hear me Boehner, Kantor, McConnell, Snow, Collins, Brown, and so many of you other so called “conservatives” We will not be forsaken in regards to the sanctity of this REPUBLIC!!!

    Report Post » antilevy  
  • Ray2447
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 3:57am

    Tape it, burn it to a DVD and I’ll buy it if the price is in the average DVD range. I’d love to hear Justice Scalia on this subject matter. I’ve already debated a judge, while on jury duty, refuting his instructions during voir dire. The very first thing I told him was, “The Constitution says, ‘We the people,‘ not ’We the judges.’”

    Report Post »  
    • antilevy
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 4:10am

      outstanding… sure is funny when you start mentioning JURY NULLIFICATION to the courts they seem to back off and try to eliminate you from the juries. WE THE PEOPLE have got to understand that JURY NULLIFICATION is the most powerful tool we have in regards to combating these tyrants. How about
      A FULLY INFORMED JURY???

      Report Post » antilevy  
  • 4stmichael
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 3:54am

    Justice Scalia to Teach First Congressional ‘Constitution 101’ Class
    ———————————————————————————-

    Right On!

    Report Post » 4stmichael  
    • Tennessee Veteran
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 10:51am

      I‘ll bet there won’t be many liberal progressives attending the classes. If any do attend, they will probably be trying to find ways to skirt or circumvent the Constitution rather than enforce it.

      Report Post » Tennessee Veteran  
  • BoilitDown
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 3:38am

    A glimmer of wisdom breaks into this bastion of corruption. Can it really gain a foot hold?
    Of course, this common sense measure will have to be thoroughly ridiculed by the MSM. This is a reason to praise it as loudly and widely as possible

    Report Post »  
  • scguitar
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 3:06am

    Unfortunately, this is probably going to be the first time many members of congress will be reading the constitution

    Report Post »  
  • FLDeb
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 2:59am

    When will we make this a priority to teach in our schools? And not with the liberal spin like was taught when I was in school. The feds have no business in charge of our education system.

    Report Post » FLDeb  
  • bbquizzle
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 2:40am

    They all know it; most ignore it.

    Report Post » bbquizzle  
  • Govtnitwit
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 2:36am

    Which Constitution? The real one as intended by the Founders or the preverted one created by the federal judiciary? I predict it will be a version of the later.

    Report Post »  
  • Ron_WA
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 2:31am

    AWSOME!!! – no better instructor for members of congress than a Supreme Court justice. Glad to see this is more than a one time wonder; the mark of a true “profession” is continuing education. This gives me hope … hopefully some of the old crew will join in …

    Report Post » Ron_WA  
  • GBMBulletsSKNRD
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 2:23am

    It’s about time Mrs. Bachmann you are a true Patriot.

    Report Post »  
  • toxic_freedom
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 2:11am

    sad to say that this is now needed, our 3 branches of power should have known these things before ever being put into power….it goes to show how much we the people have just let go by. I am glad for this change and i hope our politicians start finally acting like public servants but sick that we actually had to make a “class” for something they should know better than anyone else

    Report Post » toxic_freedom  
  • AntiUSSA
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 2:00am

    wow, could you just imagine it……..congressmen actually understanding what they are trying to protect and stand for…….upholding and understanding the documents that set this country on a path to being the greatest country in the whole of history……..if only

    Report Post » AntiUSSA  
  • joseph Fawcett
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 1:58am

    Yea, maybe there is hope coming for this country, may God continue to hear our prayers and look with favor upon us as a nation and teach our goverment where He wants it. Thank you Lord!

    http://www.josephfawcettart.com western artist

    Report Post » joseph Fawcett  
  • FreedomAdvocate
    Posted on December 16, 2010 at 1:52am

    Good for her! And let’s get the Federal government legislating federal issues, not using omnibus bills to control state policy having nothing to do with the federal domain!

    Report Post »  
    • mharry860
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 1:55am

      Amen and repeal, repeal, repeal.

      Report Post » mharry860  
    • CatB
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 2:06am

      To bad the “old” Congress didn’t know anything about the Constitution … except to ignore and try to destroy it. TEA Party rocks! Let’s roll!

      Report Post »  
    • nhall729
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 2:12am

      At first I thought this was condescending to our representatives, but the more I dig into it the more it looks like a great idea.

      Report Post »  
    • 101
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 2:21am

      Sounds like a great step in the right direction!

      Report Post »  
    • MHP
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 3:16am

      Tthis is good for later nor now, Im worrid of a gay friend being
      killed by his drughead brother, and I can’t get any help.
      Obama’s FBI never even cared, neither LAPD
      I even asked them, I’ll say outright
      none of them cared

      FBI, LAFD why did you fail me.

      THIIS SITUATION IS STILL NOT SOLVED

      MHP  
    • BMartin1776
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 4:32am

      This is all great but lets see how long it lasts! It comes off to me like folks New Years resolution to get fit so they join a gym. They train for a month, 2 or so then fall off the bandwagon. Sorry Im in the same mindset/ “lifeboat” with Glenn as things are unfolding that no class or regime change can fix. We have strayed too far from our origin.

      We are broke, our govt is corrupt to the core (this past week alone proves it), the media lies routinely, massive amount of Americans are living in fantasy land with a “that wont happen here mentality” while the other half has no clue whats going on.

      What will be curious to watch is WHO is attending these classes! Who wants to bet no dems will attend nor RINOs like McCaine, Brown etc!? New blood will be there I am sure but they arent the concern its the household names that are still in power still systematically destroying this country we need to watch even closer.

      Take back America through http://www.savingtherepublic.com

      Report Post » BMartin1776  
    • guyperram
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 6:56am

      This can’t hurt. This congress is still very limited as to what it will be able to accomplish. As they have clearly shown they do not fear the average citizen or his/her opinion. We will see what happens in the near future.

      Report Post »  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 7:57am

      This is a great move. How many of our leaders don’t even know the law?

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • tradexpertbuysell
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:00am

      It ought to be made required for ALL members of congress! With maybe even voting score cards where if they fall below a 6 on a 10 point scale…SEEYA!,,. with no questions asked.

      Also since the reprobates passed the ask don‘t tell repeal yesterday how about an ask don’t tell repeal for Christians where they will be allowed to quote any portion of the Bible without criminal or political repercussions of any sort from the PC crowd. “Hate Speech” be damned!

      Report Post »  
    • mtnclimberjim
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:04am

      MHP
      Get a gun, learn how to use it and don’t be gay. Your gov can’t protect itself let alone you and your self induced situation.
      Merry Christmas

      Report Post » mtnclimberjim  
    • burr99
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:09am

      I hear that!! They should all be made to read the 5000 year leap. What a fantastic reference on the founders and what they believed.

      Report Post »  
    • JKN
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:07am

      It’s about time we get back to the Constitution… This is what created the best nation on earth.

      Report Post » Jackers  
    • HumbleCitizen
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 10:00am

      Amen! BUT, it’s NOT ENUF……..WE the people MUST ALSO learn our constitution! WE the people fell asleep and now the America our founding fathers prayerfully created is being destroyed. WE the people ARE America and it is OUR responsibility to keep and preserve our Republic.

      Report Post » HumbleCitizen  
    • TonyDarrington
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 10:03am

      Maybe Mr. Obama can teach one of the classes. He‘s a Constitutional lawyer don’cha know. Taught a class in it and everything.

      Report Post » TonyDarrington  
    • drbage
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 10:30am

      Hopefully, they will learn what the true meaning of the Oath of Office which they take.

      Report Post »  
    • GayDem4Beck
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 11:39am

      Some good news for a change… keep up the good work, we’re moving in the right direction.

      Report Post » GayDem4Beck  
    • snowleopard3200 {mix art}
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 12:09pm

      GREAT!!! Dead on and let the land hear.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • racialcoward
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 3:53pm

      THE VIDEO HEARD ROUND THE WORLD. WILL IT BE ON THE INTERNET OR CNN?

      I hope so, this will be the most watched course ever. The judge is a great speaker and lecturer. This course would be watched around the world and will be earth shaking. Russia and China will attempt to jam it out. Short Wave Ham operators should set up relays to broadcast this lecture over their Amature Radio Relay Net.

      Report Post »  
    • Large Eagle
      Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:27pm

      Maybe they should hog tie Reid and make him sit in on it. After that sickening, pathetic & lie filled news conference he held today. Stating it is in the constitution and his job to create earmarks for his state.

      What a piece of garbage that the loser unions elected in Nevada. Follow the money and the lazy and there Reid will be.

      I so pray that Sarah gets elected to President 2012 so I can watch this idiot eat his own feces while the Muslim males go out of their mind being ruled by a woman.

      Sweet justices for all and maybe we can have some roast pig to celebrate.

      Report Post »  
    • ozz
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 12:10am

      In a shiz storm of horrible news…. a ray of hope. God bless you congress woman Bachmann :)

      Report Post » ozz  
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