Ashley Thompson | Features Writer

As the 2016 presidential election draws closer, various opinions are coming to the forefront in speeches, workshops, and social media. Among these, Heather Richardson, professor of History at Boston College, gave a presentation on Constitution Day at APSU Thursday, Sept. 15.

Richardson covered topics on what she said is “the most important and interesting part of American history.” This included the reconstruction of America’s government and the amendments leading up to equal voting rights.

More specifically, Richardson narrowed down on the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution and the history behind the Democratic and Republican parties and how they separated into their current states.

“The government is stronger when it reflects the means of everyone,” Richardson said. “That’s how you move a society along.”

Richardson said her favorite part of this period in history is the rebuilding of the capital.

“The capital was a symbol of how America was not going to give up on change and reconstruction,” Richardson said.

Due to the political climate at APSU this semester with the 2016 election race underway, some teachers provided academic incentives for students to participate in these kind of conversations.

“I came partially because of the extra credit related to my professor, but in retrospect, I came for her presentation. I was interested in what she had to talk about,” sophomore psychology major Xavious Sims said. “It’s always interesting to learn about civil rights in the Civil War and what happened after that. Nobody ever talks about what happened directly after it. They just talk about what was bad and not the parts that were good.”

Those interested in  Richardson’s speech can visit her online American History magazine, titled “We’re History” at www.werehistory.org/.

The magazine follows the different political parties as well as information on American history, with the slogan “Serious History for Regular People.”