REFLECTION ON

CHAPTER 3
(CONSTITUTION) OF
BARACK OBAMA’S
T H E
BOOK, THE AUDACITY
OF HOPE
A U D A C I T Y

O F H O P E
PROFESSOR:
ATTY. RENE
SARMIENTO

SUBMITTED BY: KRISTINE V. MAGBOJOS (4D - POLITICAL LAW REVIEW)

 R E F L E C T I O N

Chapter 3 of Barack Obama’s book discussed

keypoints in relation to the Constitution. What
struck me the most is the opposing views on
how the Constitution should be viewed and
applied.

The first view, the more conservative approach

is to take a strict application of the
Constitution according to its letter and the
intents of the framers. If you view it this way,
endless debates are no longer necessary
because the written words are clear and should
not result to confusion.

The second view, the more liberal or relaxed

application, to which Obama agrees, is that the
letter of the Constitution should be applied in
accordance with the present situtation which
might call for a different interpretation than
that of the framers.

I am also leaning for the second approach. Our Constitution was codified in 1987
and since then, times have changed immensely with the help of modern technology
and progressive changing views of society. I accord so much respect to the framers
of our Constitution for I know that they had drafted the supreme law with good
intentions and aspirations for us to enjoy the blessings of democracy.

However, the intent of the framers cannot be strictly applied in certain areas
during our present time. In 1987, social media and internet are not widely
embedded in our culture and it might not have been one of the determinants
considered during the drafting of the Constitution when it comes to free speech
and right to privacy. In addition, the era of Millenials and Gen Z are becoming more
accepting to same-sex relationships and fluditidy in gender identity and preference
which might not have been much an area of debate in the 1900s when it comes to
issue on equal rights.

THE AUDACITY OF HOPE (CHAPTER 3 - CONSTITUTION)

Indeed, the Constitution envisions a road map by which we marry passion to reason, the
ideal of individual freedom to the demands of community.

“The Constitution’s exquisite machinery, including the system of checks and balances
and separation of powers would secure the rights of citizens, those deemed members of
America’s political community.“ This is also what I strongly believe in. I have always
believed that the Constitution was drafted to secure the rights of its citizens and to
find the balance between enjoying those rights and not encroaching on the rights of
others through the help of effective governance.

The last part of the chapter recounted the wisdom of Senator Byrd to wit: “Learn the
rules... Not just the rules, but the precedents as well... Not many people bother to learn
them these days. Everything is so rushed, so many demands on a senator’s time. But
these rules unlock the power of the Senate. They're the keys to the kingdom.” - This, I
feel so guilty about. I know I’m not a senator but as a law student, sometimes, I fail to
appreciate the beauty of the law and its precedents.

I am so engrossed in finishing all the required reading assignments so that I could come
to class prepared and not fail on my recitation. It has always been the daily grind; the
hustle and bustle. We tend to forget that law is not just a profession but a service. I
personally believe that we can only truly serve if we are passionate about it. It is not
only just a matter of getting through day by day and suriving grueling recitation and
exams but also the genuine love for the law.

THE AUDACITY OF HOPE (CHAPTER 3 - CONSTITUTION)