Defend the Constitution when officials undermine it.
Constitution Day: A Call to Defend Our Founding Document
September 17 is Constitution Day, and it will largely go unnoticed. This is shameful and a clear example of our nation’s decline. American civic education no longer exists, and national pride continues to plummet as we witness an unprecedented assault on the Constitution. Every American should realize that the Constitution’s demise will inevitably lead to the fall of the United States.
The Importance of Our Constitution
Despite our nation’s youth, America possesses the world’s oldest codified Constitution. Unlike other constitutions, it curtails governmental power and champions the interests of We the People by explicitly safeguarding our God-given liberties. Our Constitution is much more than just a document, it embodies a way of life with the central theme that the government exists to serve the people.
A Disturbing Lack of Constitutional Knowledge
As Americans, we should be concerned that a staggering 90% of my students are unable to distinguish between the American Constitution and the Russian Constitution after at least 13 years of schooling. But it’s not only my students. I suspect the results wouldn’t be much different if I ran this exercise with the general public, especially considering that nationwide only 22% of students demonstrate proficiency in civics and only 13% in American history.
The Consequences of Constitutional Ignorance
Our failed education system has led to Constitutional ignorance throughout our society. This is why so many elected and appointed officials – entrusted to uphold the Constitution – have flagrantly undermined it. For example, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared that our Constitutional rights are not absolute as she unilaterally attempts to suspend the Second Amendment in the name of an emergency.
Furthermore, throughout the COVID pandemic, the government controlled when you could leave your home and where you could go. The government decided when, where, and how you could practice your faith. When you could work. What you were allowed to say. Who you could associate with. Livelihoods were threatened and destroyed. State legislative bodies, those elected to represent the people, were bypassed.
When New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy was asked whether the Bill of Rights was ever considered when he implemented his pandemic decrees, he responded that it was “above his pay grade,” despite the oath he took to uphold the Constitution. Decisions were made by chief executives and a handful of people considered “experts,” which is the very definition of authoritarianism. President Biden even declared that his administration’s “patience was wearing thin” with the American people when many refused to get the vaccine.
Reversing the Trend
This Constitutional ignorance is the main reason why so many Americans supported, and some even encouraged, the government’s heavy-handed approach. We have been conditioned to turn to the government to “solve” every problem, and it took nearly two years before the majority of the American people would declare that they are done with the mandates. However, history has shown that when power is transferred to the government, the power rarely returns to the people.
The good news is, we can reverse this trend, starting with our education system. We have to revive a robust American civic education throughout the K-12 system that focuses on the Constitution, core American values such as freedom and equality, as well as teach students what it means to be an informed and engaged citizenry. Additionally, colleges need to prioritize critical thinking and provide an accurate portrayal of the Constitution, rather than indoctrinate the student body with the falsehood that many of our problems stem from the Constitution itself.
A Call to Action
Second, all Americans should forcefully speak out to defend our founding document, which changed the course of human civilization, and served as the inspiration behind the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This proactive approach will ensure that the Constitution will survive for the future generation.
This Constitution Day, I encourage everyone to read this remarkable document. Parents should read it with their children and teachers should read it with their students. It is A Time for Choosing. We either reaffirm our commitment to the Constitution and preserve the idea of self-government, or we allow a minority of elites to take us down a path that more closely resembles that of communist China. I know my choice, what will you choose?
Nicholas Giordano is a political science professor at Suffolk Community College and a Leadership Institute Campus Reform Higher Education fellow.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
How can engaging in open and informed discussions about the Constitution deepen our understanding of our founding document and its implications for our lives
Eans to be an active and informed citizen. We must reintroduce civics and American history as a mandatory part of the curriculum, ensuring that every student understands the principles and values that our nation was founded upon.
Moreover, it is crucial that we hold our elected officials accountable for upholding the Constitution. We must demand that they respect our rights and liberties, and that they act within the bounds of the Constitution when making decisions that impact our lives. It is our duty as citizens to ensure that our government remains limited and that individual freedoms are protected.
Additionally, we must engage in open and informed discussions about the Constitution and its relevance in today’s society. We should encourage dialogue, debates, and conversations that deepen our understanding of our founding document and its implications for our lives. This includes educating ourselves on the Constitution, its amendments, and landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped our nation’s history.
On this Constitution Day, let us remember the importance of our founding document and commit to defending it against any assault. Let us strive to become knowledgeable citizens who understand and value the principles upon which our nation was built. By doing so, we can ensure that the Constitution remains a living document that continues to guide and protect our nation for generations to come.
In conclusion, Constitution Day serves as a reminder of the indispensable role that our founding document plays in our society. It is a call to action for all Americans to defend and uphold the Constitution, and to actively participate in shaping the future of our nation. The Constitution is not merely a piece of paper; it is the embodiment of our values, rights, and freedoms. Let us stand together to preserve and protect it, ensuring a brighter and more promising future for the United States of America.
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