America's Founders had just declared themselves free of a tyrannical government. They were determined that such tyranny would never be repeated in this land. Their new charter of government - the Constitution - carefully defined the powers delegated to government. The Founders were determined to bind down the administrators of the federal government with Constitutional chains so that abuse of power in any of its branches would be prevented. The revolutionary idea of separation of powers, although unpopular at first, became a means by which this was to be accomplished. John Adams, in a letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush, stated: "I call you to witness that I was the first member of Congress who ventured to come out in public, as I did in January 1776, in my 'Thoughts on Government,' ...in favor of a government with three branches, and an independent judiciary..." By the time the Constitution was adopted, the idea was supported by all of the members of the Convention. James Madison, the father of the Constitution, devoted five Federalist Papers (47-51) to an explanation of how the Executive, Legislative, and judicial branches were to be wholly independent of each other, yet bound together through an intricate system of checks and balances. Madison believed that keeping the three branches separated was fundamental to the preservation of liberty. He wrote:
These are perfect for my middle school students. They are small, easy to read, and seem pretty sturdy. We have not used them yet but they appear to be easy to navigate as well.
Thank you for continuing publication of the U.S. Constitution without adding personal bias or agenda. So many disagreements arise from lack of understanding the foundation of our Country. I am only one person, but I am one person and I can acquire copies of the U. S. Constitution and share them, thanks to you.
Simply the most brilliant concept of a free people to govern themselves ever conceived by humankind. Living updatable language to fit the advancing societal order. Described by its authors thusly:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, 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, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Why did we not get this kind of background information while going to grade and high school??? This is truly amazing information that will enlighten and encourage you to love our founding generation and constitution!
Nice to have print of Independence Hall on the cover versus a Founding Father's mug shot ever reminding us to "place principles before personalities."
"I hope we shall... crush in it's birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial of strength and bid defiance to the laws of our country." - Thomas Jefferson
Mercy Otis Warren wrote in Observations on the New Constitution:
“...[G]government is instituted for the protection, safety, and happiness of the people, and not for the profit, honour or private interest of any man, family, or class of men...the origin of all power is in the people, and they have an incontestable right to check the creatures of their own creation, vested with certain powers to guard the life, liberty and property of the community."
We tend to accept that people in authority must be right. It's this assumption that Socrates wanted us to challenge by urging us to think logically about the nonsense they often come out with, rather than being struck dumb by their aura of importance and air of suave certainty.
“We live in a system that espouses merit, equality, and a level playing field, but exalts those with wealth, power, and celebrity, however gained.” ― Derrick Bell, Ethical Ambition: Living a Life of Meaning and Worth
