Chris Barker, assistant professor of political science at Southwestern College, will present a Constitution Day lecture on Friday, Sept. 16, at 11 a.m. in the Murray Reference Room located inside Deets Library.  There is no admission charge and the public is invited to attend.  

The title of the lecture is “Do We Really Need a President?”

“As we move towards the Nov. 8 presidential election, we need to consider a modest proposal: Given the turmoil caused by the historic unpopularity of both major party candidates, and given the difficulty of electing third-party candidates, are we forced to decide between two equally unpalatable choices?”  Barker says.  “Would it be more republican—more consistent with popular government and self-rule—not to have a president at all? In considering this modest proposal, we will return to Sept. 17, 1787; the hopes and fears of the Founders regarding the appropriate form of government for the newly-independent United States; and the executive branch as it is analyzed and defended by Alexander Hamilton.” 

 Dalene McDonald, Southwestern College librarian, has been instrumental in organizing the lecture and points out that it will be especially appropriate for first-time voters.

“Many SC students will be eligible to vote in a presidential election for the first time this fall.  As we prepare for the responsibility of electing our leaders, this is a good time to reflect on the Constitution,” McDonald says.