On September 17, the United States Constitution will be 235 years old, the oldest of any country’s Constitution that ever existed. One might say, “Anything that old surely cannot be relevant today.” Following are only a few of the reasons why our Nation’s Constitution has withstood the ages.
After the Revolutionary War, the thirteen colonies were united under the Articles of Confederation. There were many reasons why these were not the best of this new republic. One, the government had no power to tax or develop a currency. It did not control international or intra-state commerce; each state did its own thing and printed its own money. There was no provision for an executive or judicial branch. There was only one body of lawmakers, and each state had only one vote regardless of its size or population. The lawmakers sat behind closed doors, so there was no transparency.
A Constitutional Convention was called in 1787, with each colony sending delegates. One of these was James Madison, who is generally considered the “Father of the American Constitution.” Madison, along with other delegates, represented the state of Virginia. The harsh rule of England and the bloody years of battle were still fresh in the minds of all the men attending this Convention. They abhorred tyranny and designed the Constitution in every way to avoid the possibility. He insisted that “ the primary control of the government remains always with the people.” He warned against the “allurement of political power.” Therefore, he proposed a system of checks and balances within the three branches of the federal government. By this means, each branch could guard against usurpations of power by the others. This action results in the executive veto of legislative bills, the legislative override of the executive veto, and the required Senate confirmation of presidential appointments to the Supreme Court. The Judicial Branch was intentionally made less strong because the judges were not to be chosen by the people, and they were to serve a lifetime appointment. All of these safety measures guaranteed the separation of governmental powers and the protection of the peoples’ rights and liberties.
Madison also promoted the two-house legislature; one with equal representation regardless of the state’s size and the other based on the number of residing citizens. Madison believed that “the obligation of every human being to God is higher than that of his duty to country. Freedom of conscience is an inalienable right because ‘what is here a right towards men, is a duty towards the Creator.’ Before human beings became civil society members, they were subjects of the ‘Governor of the Universe.’” [Quoted from Madison’s own words written in 1785]
The Constitution almost failed to be ratified by the required number of states. Why? Because the people did not feel their individual rights were given enough protection. Madison was the leader in submitting the first ten amendments, which we know as the Bill of Rights. Amendment One guarantees the five basic freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right of grievance. The Second Amendment pledges the right to bear arms. Three states that government soldiers cannot be housed in our homes without our consent; the Fourth protects us from search and seizure. The Fifth states that a person does not have to testify against himself or to be deprived of life, liberty, and/or property without due process of law. Amendment Six gives each citizen the right to a speedy trial, and Seven promises a trial by jury of one’s peers. Eight protects against cruel and unusual punishment. Nine states that these are not the only rights guaranteed. Ten is a big one in that all other powers not specifically given to the federal government are reserved for the States, commonly known as “States Rights.”
September 17, 2022, marks 67 years that the Daughters of the American Revolution have called attention to and celebrated Constitution Week. We urge each person living in the United States of America to read the Constitution and understand what freedoms we are promised. Guard these rights so that we do not lose them.
A very wise man (Edmund Burke) once said “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
What does the Constitution mean to you? Are you willing to defend it as those who preceded us? We will probably not be called to die for die. But protecting it can cost us friends, family, jobs, etc. A recent poll showed that only 38% of Americans value patriotism. Only 39% say that religion is important.
Benjamin Franklin has been quoted as saying, “We have given you a republic if you can keep it.” The death of our republic is only one generation away. Patriotism is dying. Are you doing everything in your power to keep it alive?
Show your patriotism by attending the GOD, HOME and COUNTRY CELEBRATION on Saturday afternoon September 23, 2023 at 2:30 in Fort Payne City Park (located in the 400 block of Gault Avenue North). Bring your children and your parents.This is a family gathering to celebrate the 235th anniversary of the ratification of the Constitution. This is not a political program; it is strictly patriotic. Organized by the Phillip Hamman Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, the program will include patriotic music led by the Silvertones. The American flag will be posted by the Alabama Sons of the Revolution Color Guard. All veterans and active service personnel will be recognized.
It is only through sacrifice and God’s Grace that we are able to celebrate over two centuries of freedom. It will be up to us and our children to see that it continues. Bring chairs, blankets, water bottles and your loved ones to join in this celebration of freedom.
Beth Koostra, Regent
Phillip Hamman Chapter, NSDAR
