A Fresh Perspective of History and Civics at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP – It’s considered the shortest governing charter of any nation. Its nickname is “Bundle of Compromises.” And it is a living document, rigid yet flexible. The audience for “A Citizen’s Look at the U.S. Constitution” at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch on Monday, February 1, learned the facts and drama of its creation.

Forty-five people crowded into the Meeting Room for Beach Haven Mayor John Imperiale’s engaging, vivid presentation. He explained the divisive nature of the 1787 Constitutional Convention, ideological clashes among delegates, and the handful of compromises that allowed the Constitution to survive. 

The Mayor went on to examine each article and amendment, contrasting plainly-stated passages against those open to interpretation – what they “say” and what they “don’t say.” He highlighted the 14th Amendment’s distinction as the Supreme Court’s basis for its Roe v.Wade ruling in 1973, and also for the panel’s reversal of the same ruling in 2022.

He peppered his program with “fun facts”: Only six people signed the Constitution as well as the Declaration of Independence. The actual document was written by John Shallus, a clerk of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, who was given two days to complete it and paid a princely $30.

Mr. Imperiale fielded numerous questions, comments and conjectures about the Constitution’s past, present, and future. The event was sponsored by Friends of the Stafford Library, who presented attendees with pocket-sized versions of the document.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.