The Story of the "U" in UK

This article from History Today begins in a gratifying way:
Anybody who enters into even a casual discussion with a US citizen about their country’s constitution will be struck by the ease with which they reference names, dates and significant events in the creation – and subsequent amendment – of that 225-year-old document.
How nice that this is the perception!  Most of us would prefer only to deepen American appreciation for the Constitution and its history.

The author goes on to note that his own countrymen are not as excited about the constitutional process that underlies their present union.  There are some reasons for this, including the fact that one of the most significant acts of union was the 1801 acts that brought Ireland into union with existing Great Britain.  Technically two different acts -- one in each parliament -- it turns out that no one was much interested in celebrating the bicentennial in 2001.

4 comments:

Texan99 said...

There's union, and then there's union. Contrast the marriage of two lovers with Screwtape's "Love you? Why, yes. As dainty a morsel as ever I grew fat on."

Gringo said...

Have you heard about the free online Constitution course offered at Hillsdale College? Begins Feb 20.

http://www.hillsdaleoffer.com/rush

Grim said...

No, I had not heard of it. Very interesting!

Texan99 said...

Yes, I signed up for it a couple of days ago. I've been listening to the intro, which already is available.