1) Read the Declaration of Independence, after which read the articles of confederation; end with our (US) very thin, easy read federal constitution. (1) Of the written national constitutions, the U.S. Constitution is the oldest and shortest.
2) scratch step 1 and watch the Showtime original series, John Adams. (Cliff notes). Now appearing on HBO Go.
3) Drink an inordinate amount of beer and set off fireworks in your driveway at 11:12pm. Not recommended without a designated, sober, fireworks (volunteer fireman) certified specialist. Keep pets and children at safe distance.
4) Cuddle all night with your honey on the couch watching Lifetime original movies. If this is not by choice rather by acts of subordination it may not be the best way to celebrate Independence Day. If you are taking one for the team this is a great way to honor the acts of bravery performed by our minutemen against British forces.
5) Attend a DPAC Suntrust Broadway show then public fireworks display. Prepare for long, slow que from 4th floor parking deck, with perpetual questions from your kids like, “why is it taking so long”? and “Are we home yet”?
6) repeat Step 1 and or 2.
7) Prepare a YouTube spoof of a debate between Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders; moderated by Frank Underwood. Required skills: comic timing, passable impersonation gift, acting ability, patience, hair and makeup, prosthetics as needed. If not already an improv artist or member of cast of 2016 Saturday Night Live this entails steep learning curve, wasted time and effort, and public ridicule. This is the most patriotic of choices, IMHO.
- The Federal Convention convened in the State House (Independence Hall) in Philadelphia on May 14, 1787, to revise the Articles of Confederation. Because the delegations from only two states were at first present, the members adjourned from day to day until a quorum of seven states was obtained on May 25. Through discussion and debate it became clear by mid-June that, rather than amend the existing Articles, the Convention would draft an entirely new frame of government. All through the summer, in closed sessions, the delegates debated, and redrafted the articles of the new Constitution. Among the chief points at issue were how much power to allow the central government, how many representatives in Congress to allow each state, and how these representatives should be elected–directly by the people or by the state legislators. The work of many minds, the Constitution stands as a model of cooperative statesmanship and the art of compromise.