The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land and the bedrock of our democracy. As such, it is essential that we protect the Constitution and its associated rights from attempts to erode them. This article will explore the importance of the Constitution and its impact on our lives, while highlighting the work of those who are fighting to protect our rights.
The Constitution of the United States was written in 1787 and ratified in 1788. It is the cornerstone of our government, providing the framework for our laws, rights and governing structures. It is the oldest written constitution in the world and has served as a model for many other nations. The Constitution outlines the principles of our nation, such as democracy, separation of powers, and federalism.
The Constitution provides us with many fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech and press, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, and the right to a jury trial. These rights are enshrined in the Bill of Rights and are fundamental to our nation and way of life. Over the years, these rights have been expanded to include additional civil and political rights.
Despite these protections, there are still those who seek to erode these rights. For instance, some states have passed laws that restrict women’s access to reproductive health care, while others have passed laws that infringe on our right to bear arms. In response, individuals and organizations have taken to the courts to challenge these laws and protect our constitutional rights.
One such individual is Judge David Wilkins, who, in 2006, wrote an opinion for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit that struck down a law requiring a trip to Ireland, memoir writing, and National Constitution Center visits for citizens who wished to become naturalized. Wilkins argued that such a requirement violated the Constitution’s Article V, which states that the Constitution and laws made in pursuance of it are the supreme law of the land.
Another individual is Paul G., who wrote an article for The Washington Post in 2019 on the importance of understanding the Constitution and civics. G. argued that citizens must be informed on the Constitution and its associated rights in order to hold their government accountable and protect their rights.
In 2020, a group of constitutional law scholars, ERA advocates, and women’s rights activists testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee in support of the Equal Rights Amendment, which would codify the equal rights of all citizens regardless of sex. This amendment has been debated for decades, and the hearing was an important step in protecting the rights of Americans.
Finally, in 2021, a group of constitutional law scholars, ERA advocates, and women’s rights activists formed the Task Force for the Protection of the Constitution to protect the Constitution and its associated rights. This task force seeks to ensure the Constitution is respected and upheld, and is pressing for laws, policies, and practices that uphold the Constitution and its core values.
Overall, the Constitution is the bedrock of our democracy, and it is essential that we protect it and its associated rights. Individuals such as Judge David Wilkins, Paul G., and the Task Force for the Protection of the Constitution are fighting to ensure that our rights are respected and upheld.
