The Constitution secures numerous rights for U.S. citizens. If we did not have these rights, our lives would be very different. Furthermore, businesses would be forced to alter their practices because they would not enjoy the various constitutional protections. As you will soon learn, various components of the Constitution, such as the Commerce Clause and the Bill of Rights, offer guidance and protection for businesses. The following questions will help sharpen your critical thinking about the effects of the Constitution on business.
1. One of the basic elements in the Constitution is the separation of powers in the government.What ethical norm would guide the framers' thinking in creating a system with a separation of powers and a system of checks and balances?
Clue: Consider what might happen if one branch of government became too strong.
2. If the framers of the Constitution wanted to offer the protection of unrestricted speech to citizens and businesses, what ethical norm would they view as most important?
Clue: Return to the list of ethical norms in Chapter 1.Which ethical norm might the framers view as least important in protecting unrestricted speech?
3. Why should you, as a future business manager, be knowledgeable about the basic protections offered by the Constitution?
Clue: If you were ignorant of the constitutional protections, how might your business suffer?