1) Read the Declaration of Independence, after which read the Articles of Confederation; end with our (U.S.) fragile, easy-read federal constitution. (1) 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 excessive amount of beer and set off fireworks in your driveway at 11:12 pm. I only recommended a designated, sober, fireworks (volunteer fireman) certified specialist. Keep pets and children at a safe distance.

4) Cuddle all night with your honey on the couch watching Lifetime original movies. If this is not by choice but rather by acts of subordination, there may be better ways to celebrate Independence Day. If you are taking one for the team, this is a great way to honor our minutemen’s bravery against British forces.

5) Attend a DPAC Suntrust Broadway show, then public fireworks display. Prepare for a long, slow queue from the 4th-floor parking deck, with endless questions from your kids like, “Why is it taking so long”? and “Are we home yet”?

6) repeat Steps 1 and 2.

7) Prepare a YouTube spoof of a debate between Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders, moderated by Frank Underwood. Expected skills for this video include but are not limited to comic timing, good impersonation gift, acting ability, patience, hair and makeup, and prosthetics.

 

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 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. 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 the state legislators. The work of many minds, the Constitution stands as a model of cooperative statesmanship and the art of compromise.