Necisque Libertas

Have you ever wondered why we have a constitution? Where it came from? What purpose it serves? Is it still relevant, and will it continue to be relevant? Today I’m going to try and answer a few of these questions.

Why do we have a constitution? Where did it come from? We have a constitution for a couple reasons. First, back in 1776 when America declared independence from Great Britain we needed some form of government to hold the 13 colonies united. After the war we had the Articles of Confederation, which were great but they didn’t really work. 

The Articles of Confederation were very vague, and left some loopholes. After dealing with those for a time, another convention was called to reframe the basic structure of our government, and to build something that would last through time. Hence the Constitution. The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It was inspired by God.  

To quote some of the main architects of the Constitution, “ If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that a nation can rise without his aid?” Benjamin Franklin(1). Or John Adams “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. We Recognize No Sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus!”(2) How about James Madison, “[The Founding Fathers] reared the fabrics of government which have no model on the face of the globe.”(3)

I could go on with more quotes but we should talk about the Constitution’s purpose, and whether or not it is still relevant. As I mentioned earlier, the Constitution is the supreme law of the land.  All other laws and legislation fall under it. It provides an outline for the three branches of the federal government; the legislative, executive, and judicial. It also lists checks and balances, as well as do’s and don’ts for each of the branches and their subdivisions.  

Is it still relevant? Absolutely, 100%, most definitely, yes. Or as my little brother would say “a million bajillion right.” Despite the arguments that the Constitution is no longer relevant because it’s over 200 years old or because the people have changed, I believe that is why it is still relevant.  Sure, people have changed but that doesn’t mean we need to change the base framework of our nation! Using the “people have changed” argument is like saying we need to tear down the house to replace a lightbulb. I agree with John Adams, “Our Constitution is for a moral and religious people.”(2) A large portion of America is still moral and religious, we just need to share our beliefs with those that aren’t so we regain the stability our nation so desperately needs. 

Yes, the Constitution has a purpose. It is relevant, and necessary to the success of this nation now, and in the future. It was inspired by God to aid in governing a moral, just and religious people. We must strive to be the people it was created to govern in our actions, and who we vote for. Never forget its legacy, and work to continue that for your posterity throughout your daily interactions.

1. Benjamin Franklin Quote – I have lived, S… 

2. John Adams quote  https://www.azquotes.com/author/90-John_Adams

3. James Madison quote https://latterdaysaintmag.com/the-constitution-man-made-or-divinely-inspired/