Still Adequate for the Twentieth Century?A Debate

This is an interesting debate topic: whether the Constitution is still adequate for the twentieth century. An intellectual visiting an insane asylum was told by his guide that one of the inmates insisted that he was James Madison, father of the Constitution. The intellectual expressed. interest in meeting the man who, dressed in breeches just as Madison used to wear, proved to be a very venerable and dignified figure. "I understand that you are James Madison, father of the Constitution," said the intellectual.

"That is correct," replied the old man with a gentle bow. "There is one thing I would like very much to know," said the intellectual, "is the Constitution still adequate for the twentieth century? Do the ideas and purposes of the original Framers fit the needs of today's new, modern realities?" The old fellow replied, "I am sorry but I make it a practice never to talk shop." So it seems we are on our own. James Madison, wherever he is, God bless his soul, cannot help us.

The answer to the question has been left for us to decide. We are Madison's heirs.