PJ Blogger at Independence National Historical Park
On this date two-hundred and twenty-eight years ago, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention completed their arduous work and signed the document designed to restore liberty to the citizens of a new nation.
The American Republic was born out of a struggle against British tyranny and a monarchical system that our forefathers deemed incompatible with the rights of free men and women. Consistent with the principles espoused by the Spirit of ’76 and enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution was not imposed on the people. It was humbly submitted to the people for their approval.
A great national debate followed. If the people were to judge the Constitution, they were expected to understand the Constitution. The Federalist Papers, a series of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison, responded to Antifederalist critics by serving as an invaluable guide to the Constitution’s provisions. Their arguments proved decisive and, eventually, the requisite number of states ratified the Constitution. Education was integral to the Constitution’s ratification.
At a time when the globe was dominated by kingdoms and empires, a skeptical world believed that a republic devoted to the ancient cause of liberty would inevitably fail. But the test of time has proven the wisdom, effectiveness, and durability of our great charter.
It has guaranteed our natural rights and preserved our cherished liberties.
It has inspired foreign peoples shackled by tyranny to seek to replicate what the Americans have accomplished.
It has resisted the waves of totalitarian ideologies that claimed human liberty to be a relic of antiquity.
On Constitution Day, Americans follow in the footsteps of the Founders, not only by recommitting ourselves to the Constitution’s enlightened provisions, but also by accepting the duty to provide the education necessary for the survival of a free people.
I commend all those that take the opportunity this day provides to promote the American ideals of human liberty and renew our commitment to the preservation of the Constitution of the United States.
Scott Garrett is the U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 5th congressional district
