Why the U.S. Constitution is important

Your and my freedom is based on the U.S. Constitution and plays an integral role in our everyday lives. The preamble's first three words, "We the People," highlight that the U.S. government's authority comes from its citizens. Constitution Day is a celebration of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in the Pennsylvania State House on Sept. 17, 1787. The Constitution was drafted in secret with locked and guarded doors. The delegates were involved in debates from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. six days a week with only a 10-day break during the duration of the convention. The U.S. Constitution contains 4,400 words. It is the oldest and shortest written constitution of any major government globally. It was drafted in under 100 working days, and its only language other than English used in various parts is Latin. Despite its birth more than 250 years ago, it still plays an integral role in our everyday lives. George Washington stated, "It is little short of a miracle." The first national Thanksgiving Day, established in 1789, was created to give thanks for the new U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Constitution established a national government with three branches with divided power between federal and state governments and protected individual liberties. It created a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. The Constitution also outlines the fundamental rights of American citizens. The six major principles of the Constitution are popular sovereignty, separation of powers, judicial review, limited government, checks and balances and federalism. The Preamble outlines the framers' goals, including establishing a "more perfect Union" and ensuring justice, domestic tranquility, common defense, general welfare, and liberty. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects five fundamental freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly and petition. These freedoms are essential for you and me to express ourselves, participate in public life and hold our government accountable. The Daughters of the American Revolution will celebrate Constitution Day on Sept. 17. Patricia A. Lentz, 1038780, Martha Pitkin Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution