Assignment #3

Although they serve very different purposes, the Honor Code at MBA and the U.S. Constitution share a few similarities. First, they both serve to regulate how people act. The honor code holds the student body at MBA responsible for their actions, and the Constitution holds the U.S. government responsible for its actions. Also, the honor code gives students many freedoms that they would not otherwise have. MBA is built on the foundation of trust, and, without this trust, students would never be able to leave their backpacks outside, take a test without a teacher in the room, or take a make up test at home. Similarly, the Constitution puts the power to govern the U.S. in the hands of a limited number of people. The U.S. population is basically putting their trust in the government and the Constitution to govern fairly, make good decisions, and do what is best for the greater good. Finally, the honor code is maintained by a body of power, the Honor Council- just like the Constitution is maintained by the power of the government.

There are still a few differences, however, between these two documents. First, the honor code only pertains to the actions of students at MBA. The Constitution lays the basis of government for the whole United States. Basically, the Constitution affects a much greater body of people. Also, the honor code was put into effect to attempt to prevent cheating at MBA. The Constitution was made to form the U.S. government and provides the basis for government today. Finally, the honor code did not take quite as much deliberation or time to create as the Constitution did. It took much careful planning and an incredible amount of deliberating for the Constitution to finally pass and be put into practice.