Constitution; Still Relevant?
Daniel Johnson
Government
9-20-11 The Constitution of the United States marked the beginning of a new form of government for the newly free colonies that formed the United States of America. It established the system of government with which the nation has lived for more than two hundred years. The Framers drafted the Constitution to “establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity . . . .” Created to protect the American people and our freedoms, the crown jewel of our government, the Constitution is what sets the United States apart from many other countries. The Articles of Confederation and the Bill of Rights, together with the Amendments of the Constitution, are arguably the most important documents in the founding of the first government on United States soil. Without these guiding documents we might very well not enjoy the same freedom and liberties we enjoy today. Although written more than two hundred years ago, this seminal document is timeless in its principles and ideas. The United States Constitution is a healthy document which serves our nation exceptionally well and does not need drastic change or revision. One of the key aspects of the Constitution that make it a healthy document relevant more than two hundred years after its drafting is the Bill of Rights. The rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights are as important to our country’s citizens today as they were to the people living at the time the Framers drafted the document. The fundamental rights of freedom of religion, speech, the press, (Nicas) right to a jury trial, protections against unreasonable search and seizure (New York Times)…ultimately protection against a national government that might try to usurp the freedoms of its citizens remain fundamental rights today. (Washington Post) The Bill of Rights protects the freedoms and liberties that are the
Government
9-20-11 The Constitution of the United States marked the beginning of a new form of government for the newly free colonies that formed the United States of America. It established the system of government with which the nation has lived for more than two hundred years. The Framers drafted the Constitution to “establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity . . . .” Created to protect the American people and our freedoms, the crown jewel of our government, the Constitution is what sets the United States apart from many other countries. The Articles of Confederation and the Bill of Rights, together with the Amendments of the Constitution, are arguably the most important documents in the founding of the first government on United States soil. Without these guiding documents we might very well not enjoy the same freedom and liberties we enjoy today. Although written more than two hundred years ago, this seminal document is timeless in its principles and ideas. The United States Constitution is a healthy document which serves our nation exceptionally well and does not need drastic change or revision. One of the key aspects of the Constitution that make it a healthy document relevant more than two hundred years after its drafting is the Bill of Rights. The rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights are as important to our country’s citizens today as they were to the people living at the time the Framers drafted the document. The fundamental rights of freedom of religion, speech, the press, (Nicas) right to a jury trial, protections against unreasonable search and seizure (New York Times)…ultimately protection against a national government that might try to usurp the freedoms of its citizens remain fundamental rights today. (Washington Post) The Bill of Rights protects the freedoms and liberties that are the