The Constitution is not the political equivalent of a Snuggie—something you wrap yourself in for a warm fuzzy feeling, while leaving your hands free to do other things — like, say, getting rid of Social Security or derailing climate change legislation. It means something.

Do we really want leaders who pose as our constitutional standard-bearers without actually knowing what the document says? After all, if these politicians claim to base their positions on the Constitution, but are ignorant of its contents, where are they getting their information?

Before Election Day, voters should press candidates of every political stripe to explain and support their views of the Constitution — to insure that their elected leaders are going to govern according to the real Constitution. Not a version cobbled together from ideological talking points or desired policy ends.