Larry Sabato, Eric Lane, and Michael Oreskes talked about whether the United States Constitution needs updating or greater fidelity to its guiding principles. Mr. Sabato had twenty-three proposals to alter the Constitution to reflect what he argues are today’s political and social issues, from a six year term for the presidency to mandatory national service. Mr. Lane and Mr. Oreskes talked about the history of the document and the need for the American people to exercise their rights and responsibilites and to understand the Constitution. Mr. Oreskes participated by remote video link from Paris, France. Mr. Polman moderated. The panelists responded to questions from members of the audience.

Larry Sabato is the author of A More Perfect Constitution: 23 Proposals to Revitalize Our Constitution and Make America a Fairer Country, published by Walker and Company. Eric Lane and Michael Oreskes wrote The Genius of America: How the Constitution Saved Our Country and Why It Can Again.

The program “Is the Constitution Outdated?” was held at the Kirby Auditorium of the National Constitution Center’s Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach.