Law Matters: Reflections of Chief Justice Michael A. Wolff

A Celebration of Two Constitutions

Discussion Questions

1. Compare and contrast the preambles of the Missouri and United States Constitutions. How are they similar? Why do you think the U.S. Constitution has a more detailed preamble?

2. Compare and contrast the Bill of Rights in the two constitutions. (First ten amendments in the federal constitution and Article I of the state constitution.) What rights do they have in common? List the additional rights guaranteed in Missouri’s Bill of Rights and research where they might be found in the federal constitution.

3. Compare and contrast how the two constitutions provide for separation of powers and checks and balances.