Constitution Day and the Principles America Embodies

by Emily Dietrich Saturday was Constitution Day. Signed on September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution remains the oldest constitution in effect today. After 224 years, the constitution has weathered the test of time by providing a firm foundation for American democracy. Reinforcing the platform of the U.S. Constitution is America’s core principles. These principles –...

by Emily Dietrich

Saturday was Constitution Day. Signed on September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution remains the oldest constitution in effect today. After 224 years, the constitution has weathered the test of time by providing a firm foundation for American democracy.

Reinforcing the platform of the U.S. Constitution is America’s core principles. These principles – limited government and personal liberty – strengthen our democratic structure. Dedication to these principles, along with the richness of the American tradition, has enabled the country to thrive for over two centuries.

This doesn’t mean that America hasn’t faced challenges. The recent anniversary of September 11th serves as a profound reminder of the threat our country faces from outside.

But trouble can also stir up from within. Turning our back on the federalism principle and referencing a living document steers America away from the limited and, thus, liberating nature of constitutional government.

Fortunately, our Constitution has a unique preamble. Found in the Declaration of Independence, the rich language penned by Thomas Jefferson grounds us:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

Embracing the concept of the consent of the governed empowers Americans to give voice to the stirring sentiment behind the Constitution. This enunciation of our values has taken on many forms. Invoking the Bill of Rights, rigorous contests for freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and freedom of religion fill the headlines and the courthouses. The complexity of the modern age has compounded these battles. Now contests over things like the Patriot Act and internet privacy routinely play out.

In the fight for liberty, there is no rest for the weary. But Constitution Day can be an exciting day across America. The carefully crafted and inspiring introduction of the U.S. Constitution reminds us why these battles are worth fighting:

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

Justice, tranquility, common defense, general welfare and last, but certainly not least, the blessings of liberty seem to make it all worthwhile.