Ryan to Give Constitution Day Lecture on U.S. Constitution in Comparative Context

On Sept. 17, 1787, delegates concluded the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia by signing the document they had spent months debating. Since 2004, the United States has commemorated this event by celebrating Constitution Day.

The University of Arkansas Department of Political Science continues its tradition of honoring the holiday with a presentation by associate professor Jeff Ryan focusing on our Constitution from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, in Giffels Auditorium, Old Main.

This year, the presentation will take a somewhat unconventional approach by examining the U.S. Constitution through a comparative lens. In a presentation titled, "E Pluribus Unum or Unum de Pluribus?: The U.S. Constitution in a Comparative Context," Ryan, associate professor of political science and Latin American/Latino studies, will highlight some of the ways how our founding document is similar to or distinct from the hundreds of other constitutions currently in effect worldwide.

Looking at something through a comparative lends often enhances our understanding in ways that a singular focus may obscure. For example, many of us know that the Constitution spells out explicit protections in the Bill of Rights that constrain the power of the national government to infringe on various freedoms that are considered "inalienable." But is the list of rights in the U.S. Constitution longer, shorter or about the same as the lists enumerated in other constitutions? Are there "types" of rights frequently seen elsewhere that don't show up in our Constitution or conversely, are some American rights rarely granted in other constitutions? What does the choice of specific rights tell us about the political environment in which constitutions, including ours, were drafted?

Ryan has taught an introductory course in Comparative Politics at the U of A for close to 25 years. He's been the recipient of numerous teaching awards, including the Fulbright College Master Teacher Award (1996) and the Lois Imhoff Award for Outstanding Teaching and Student Mentorship (2011). His presentation will include ample time for questions and remarks, so please bring either or both along with you! Refreshments by Stone Mill Bread Company following the presentation.