AJ Viens's List: Declaration of Independence—A Living Blueprint For Democracy

Date: July 4th, 2001 \n\nAs part of the City of Philadelphia's Independence Day celebration, the Declaration of Independence was read from the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art by Michael Douglas, Mel Gibson, Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Spacey, Renee Zellweger, Benecio Del Toro, Ming Na, Morgan Freeman, Kathy Bates, Edward Norton, Graham Greene, and Winona Ryder. Hosted by Diane Sawyer and Charles Gibson, the event also featured musical performances by Garth Brooks, Blue Man Group, and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops. This event was part of The Declaration of Independence Road Trip.

Declare Yourself is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit campaign to empower and encourage every eligible 18-29 year-old in America to register and vote in local and national elections. Using the power of strategic media and retail partnerships, celebrity spokespeople, and most importantly, mobile and Internet technology, Declare Yourself's campaign blankets the landscape of popular culture, as well as universities and high schools, with a simple, clear message: REGISTER and VOTE!\nSince 2004, Declare Yourself has registered almost 4 million young people via our on-line registration tool, on-location efforts and Ultimate College Bowl contest, contributing significantly to the unprecedented turnout of youth voters in the 2008 Presidential Election -- 24 million - a major increase from 2004.\nDeclare Yourself is expanding and intensifying its youth engagement activities in 2009. Between elections, Declare Yourself will focus on empowering young people as next-gen citizens, dedicated to national and local service, thoughtful activism, and shared civic expression. To accomplish our goals, we build partnerships with civic-minded philanthropic, marketing, and media organizations around the country. We are also affiliated with two related initiatives: www.RemixAmerica.org and BornAgainAmerican.org.

We’re a non-partisan, nonprofit group working to increase participation in elections. Despite the excitement of the 2008 campaign, predictions of record voter turnout were too optimistic. In 2009, turnout was anemic. This video sums up who we are and what we do. It was produced for Current TV by John Carluccio. Follow us on Twitter for the latest from our team.

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is an intergovernmental organization that supports sustainable democracy worldwide.

International IDEA’s mission is to support sustainable democratic change by providing comparative knowledge, and assisting in democratic reform, and influencing policies and politics.

Many different links to check. Great resources at Education link. Click on Student and Teacher. Check out their channel on YouTube.

Exchange topics: •Should same-sex couples have the right to marry?
•Should the government make sure that every American has affordable health insurance? •Should the United States reduce immigration?•Should a clean and healthy environment be a constitutional right? •Is the Constitution Color-Blind?

Should a year of national service be required for all Americans?

Ideas for change in America

To provide an overview of current constitutional debates and give visitors the opportunity to voice their opinions, the National Constitution Center has pioneered the innovative exhibition, Town Hall Walls. Town Hall Walls are large posters that ask visitors to respond to a question based on current events.

By downloading current or archived Town Hall Walls, you can turn your classroom into your own Town Hall where your students continue the discussion!

Current Town Hall Walls at the National Constitution Center


Is the Constitution color-blind?

Should the federal government expand its control over the economy to restore economic health?

Should same-sex couples have the right to marry?
Featured Download

The Right to Bear Arms
Download the lesson plan The Right to Bear Arms, that features a town hall wall.

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Archived Town Hall Walls


Electoral Mandate: Should American citizens be required to vote?

College Exam: Should the Electoral College be abolished in favor of a popular vote for president?

A Matter of Matrimony: Should the Constitution be amended to prohibit same-sex marriage?

“Under God” Under Debate: Should the phrase “under God” be removed from the Pledge of Allegiance?

Birth of a New Precedent? Should we amend the Constitution to let foreign-born U.S. citizens become president?

An Alien Notion? Should non-citizens have the right to vote in local elections?

An Indecent Proposal? Should Congress stiffen the penalties for TV and radio broadcasters who violate FCC indecency standards?

An Evolving Debate: Should intelligent design be taught in science classrooms alongside the theory of evolution?

Capital Crimes Should the death penalty be abolished as cruel and unusual punishment?

Picture Perfect: Should states require voters to show photo identification to vote?

Spy Story: Does the President have the authority to order domestic surveillance without a court-issued warrant in times of war?

Coming to America: Should illegal immigrants be allowed to become citizens?

Seize the Vote from the National Constitution Center.

Dunlap broadside