The question of whether or not some law or action being taken by U.S. political leaders is constitutional is always showing up in the news. Such coverage begs the question, why pay attention to a piece of paper written over two hundred years ago? What relevance does this document have to politics in the modern world? And how does it affect my life?
A Contract
The U.S. Constitution is a contract between citizens and their government. It divides government into three branches. Each branch has certain powers, but none of them have total power. This prevents too much power being concentrated into the hands of one or a few people (despite popular consensus, Hope, Peace, and Change require more than one man). Concentrated power leaves a nation of millions subject to the whims of one individual. The Constitution prevents such a situation.
Protection
The Constitution states clearly what the government cannot do. Nearly all of its amendments begin with the phrase “Congress shall make no law…” Similarly, it delegates many powers to the states. This gives each state the freedom (each having varying demographics) to make laws that suit its own needs. This increases personal freedom by giving individuals the ability to make their own laws locally, rather than submitting endlessly to politicians in Washington DC (which is not even a state).
One Line between Freedom and Tyranny
The Constitution is inviolable because it restrains government. Without such a document, we have to rely on politicians to restrain themselves. This is obviously a difficult task even with the authoritative help of the Constitution. It is imperative that we do not allow politicians to break this contract, even when claiming national crises, emergency, or necessity. If we allow the Constitution to be ignored, then there is no stopping the control the Federal government will take over our lives. The Declaration of Independence declares that “all men were created equal;” therefore, we cannot allow ‘the few’ to rule over ‘the many.’
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Well written Sam. The Constitution of this great nation is a major factor in the greatness of our Country, it is the foundation on which “We The People” stand. This “Piece of Paper” seperates Us from the rest of the World, and though attacked often, guarantees a freedom which few, if any Nations can match. Granted–the times have changed–People, Policies ETC., but the Fact remains–A structure is only as strong as it’s foundation, and when that foundation cracks-that which it supports will crumble!
Nice article.
I like the notion to revisit the constitution. It may seem so far removed these days that people forget its importance, its function, and its contextual goal- to secure certain freedoms to the individual. The founding fathers fought to secure rights, whereas now people fight hard to give theirs, and other’s, away. At what point in history did it become frowned upon to seek these ideals?