Charlie's Copy of the Constitution

Charlie hands Anthony a physical copy of the U.S. Constitution in the Outer Oval Office, deploying it as an immediate teaching tool during a sharp debate over the Red Mass and separation of church and state. Anthony takes the document while Emily, Sam, and Janet observe Charlie's assertive gesture, which underscores his informal authority amid routine paperwork delegation.

2 appearances

Purpose

Serves as a legal reference and educational prop to demonstrate constitutional principles on church-state separation.

Significance

Charlie's act elevates a routine moment into a lesson on constitutional fidelity, highlighting staff tensions around the President's Red Mass attendance and reinforcing the West Wing's core value of strict separation.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E4 · The Red Mass

Delegation, Doctrine, and a Sudden Political Crisis

Charlie hands a physical copy of the U.S. Constitution to Anthony as a deliberate pedagogical prop to challenge his assertion about separation of church and state — the Constitution functions as an immediate, tangible retort and teaching tool.

Before: On Charlie's desk among routine paperwork.

After: In Anthony's hands as Charlie exits into the hallway.

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S4E4 · The Red Mass

Red Mass Prep and a Sudden Health Crisis — Validators, Then Wilde

Charlie physically hands a copy of the U.S. Constitution to Anthony as a rhetorical and pedagogical gesture in the Outer Oval — using the document to deflate Anthony's 'separation of church and state' protest and to assert procedural authority.

Before: In Charlie's possession on his desk, ready as a reference.

After: Taken by Anthony (held by a junior staffer), used as a challenge to his understanding; remains in the office.

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