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The best designed and constructed structures depend on a sturdy, resilient foundation. This “bedrock” is often hidden from view, but without its support, more visible components will suffer and eventually fail. Savvy buyers know that the cost of goods and services is determined by quality as well as price. An inexpensive item may turn out to be extremely expensive if it cannot deliver its promise or has a short-term life when asked to solve a long-term issue. A shiny and new object or idea may appear durable and solid, but upon close inspection and practice, fall short of its initial glamour.
Political ideas and movements follow a similar pattern. The ability of a government to form and endure depends on its foundation. Without a guiding principle and philosophy, stability and governance are chaotic, subject to transitory whims of dictators, tyrants or passions of a moment. Seeking a different form of government, controlled by the people, a group of hardy 18th century souls of the American colonies declared independence from the mighty English empire. Their Declaration of Independence did not actually form a functioning central government, rather a somewhat loose “Articles of Confederation” that lacked a centralized authority to raise revenue, regulate commerce or enforce treaties.
Convincing independent-minded colonists of the need and wisdom of a stronger central government authority was not an easy task. Following months of debate, a framework was produced that was thought to be acceptable to all states, large and small. Having recently separated from a monarchy, colonists were aware of the need for a functioning central authority but wary and reluctant to assign it too much power. Although the major divisive issue of slavery was yet to be confronted, an agreement was reached in 1787… a Constitution of the United States. The new constitution took effect March 4, 1789 although it wasn’t until 1791 that Vermont finally ratified the constitution and joined a fully unified nation.
As a working document subject to changing conditions of American society, an immediate group of amendments was ratified along with the basic document. Many were opposed to a strong federal government and leery of intrusion on their personal freedom. These first ten amendments to the constitution are known as a “Bill of Rights” to protect individual liberty. These documents, along with additional amendments form the bedrock of the United States of America.
With the guidance of its intent and allowance for changes in language, technology and custom, the Constitution is a critical component of our lives and welfare. In order to protect and maintain our country and its values, it is important to understand this document as amended and maintain a commitment to it. Entering, public office, military service and many other functions, the public is asked to pledge allegiance to the Constitution. Don’t you think it would be a good idea to know what it is and how it has shaped our society? We live in a special country that is far from perfect, but as the Preamble to the Constitution says: “WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect union, …. “
Tri-City Voice will soon begin a series of articles to outline and describe the Articles of the Constitution, the bedrock of our society. To assist our readers, we have ordered a limited supply of pocket-size copies of the U.S. Constitution/Declaration of Independence. If interested in receiving a copy (or multiple copies), please contact our office.
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