The United States Constitution is the basis of our country and all of it’s freedom. Many people feel like it is irrelevant to our culture today, but I can prove them wrong using just one amendment. I have chosen to use the first amendment as a good example of the constitution’s validity even today, 231 years after it was completed.
The first amendment states the following: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” First off, no matter what religion you believe in, maybe none at all, this law protects your right to congregate to discuss it and practice it. I don’t know about you, but I feel like this is a pretty important one. The amendment also clearly declares that congress holds no right to enforce a certain type of religion upon America’s citizens. I’m also extremely grateful for this law, as should everyone else be. Another thing the 1st makes evident is the freedom of speech. Can you imagine our country without this statement? Think of something you’re very passionate about, and now think about it being prohibited to speak of. Sad and rather infuriating right? Believe it or not there are people who believe that the ability to speak your mind is a bad thing! While it’s obvious that holding your tongue at appropriate times is a positive effort, life would suck if we could never talk about what we love. The press also holds the right to say what they want so long as it doesn’t interfere with any of the other laws. The 1st amendment mentions the fact that we the people have the right to ‘petition the Government for a redress of grievances’ meaning the setting right of what is wrong.
So what do you think? Does the constitution still contain valuable ideas which ought to be kept and undisturbed? I certainly think so.
If you disagree or would like to point out something that you find fault with, please contact me at Points.To.Ponder.CV@gmail.com or leave a comment on this article.