Finding a 'Strawman' argument on the Constitution you want to refute
The term 'strawman' is one used to describe the process of finding (or creating) an argument on a topic that is deconstructed. The idea is to critique a particular argument to show its weaknesses in order to generate a better argument or explanation.
Where to find 'strawmen' on the framing of the US Constitution?
In the United States, there are two general perspectives on the constitution:
- It is a living document and needs to change over time OR
- We need to understand the original intent of the framers and preserve that intent
Liberals tend to make the former argument and conservatives the latter. Therefore, we will look at conservative oriented magazines where we are likely to find arguments about the intentions of the framers of the constitution. Below is a list of recommended places to look:
- The Weekly StandardThis is a influential magazine with a conservative perspective that takes an intellectual tone in its writing. (Use the site's full-text search feature)
- The National ReviewFocuses on conservative perspectives regarding government, politics, and social values. (Click on "search within this publication")
- The American SpectatorProvides an 'alternative' to the general perspective of the media and topics covered by the media, focusing on conservative principles. (Use the site's full-text search feature)
- The New AmericanNews magazine of the John Birch Society, a far-right conservative group who argues for very limited government to protect personal freedoms. (Use the site's full-text search feature)
- Academic Search Complete This link opens in a new windowA comprehensive multi-disciplinary resource that includes many magazine and newspaper articles. Try switching your search to full-text (in the dropdown menu that says Select a Field, choose "TX All Text"), click Search, then limit to Magazines and Newspapers.
