An Informal and Unauthorized Proposition
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The words of James Madison:
In all great changes of established governments, forms [the letter of the law] ought to give way to substance [the spirit of the law]; that a rigid adherence in such cases to [the letter], would render nominal and nugatory the transcendent and precious right of the people to [as stated in our Declaration of Independence] “abolish or alter their governments as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness,” ... It is therefore essential that such changes be instituted by some informal and unauthorized propositions, made by some patriotic and respectable citizen or number of citizens.
Presented is a condensed review that will, at least in part, touch all essential aspects of the United States in relation to her Constitution, in a format short enough and non-technical enough to be read by almost all. Every effort is made to concentrate this study on the original document itself, with the references from our founding fathers and other pertinent sources of that day
However, the goal is not only to critique our American Constitution and its historical interpretation, but also to submit for an open consideration by the American people, specific changes that might be made, so that the spirit of liberty and justice for which we stand might be more perfectly represented in our written law. In any case, let the reader acknowledge the dire necessity of correcting by legal and peaceable means, the serious flaws of the present course of our nation.
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But the Constitution of the United States is so extraordinary in its importance, let us before fielding any criticisms or recommendations, give unlimited credit to its many and great strengths, and the surprising success with which it has carried our nation for the past centuries, in spite of its (and our) flaws. Whatever shortcoming, adulteration, misinterpretation, or inconsistency may be found in her, we hold that any significant departure from her original form risks a decrease in freedom and/or security, and an increase in the inefficiency of our system of government. It must be therefore, with greatest trepidation and care that any changes be considered.
And in retrospect, it is likewise amazing that a collection of free and independent states should ever willingly donate from their sovereign powers a portion of them sufficient for permitting any greater authority to rise, even if to better protect and edify the general public. Again, in James Madison's words:
The real wonder [in our Constitution] is that so many difficulties should have been surmounted, and surmounted with a unanimity almost as unprecedented as it must have been unexpected. It is impossible for any man of candor to reflect on this circumstance without partaking of the astonishment. It is impossible for the man of pious reflection not to perceive in it a finger of that Almighty hand which has been so frequently and signally extended to our relief in the critical stages of the revolution. – The Federalist Papers
That being said, it cannot be expected that we, as creatures having a nature which continually longs to better our lives (and hopefully that of our fellows), should neglect to seek the means of improving even further, those forms of government to which we are subjected. And it is precisely to this end that the author has undertaken this book. It is hoped to present an uncommonly objective look at America and her Constitution, with a view towards offering specific short and long-term improvements.
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About the Book
Our Constitution is a plan to build a limited government, guaranteeing that federal authorities never have the privilege of unlimited taxation, of invading other lands without cause, of removing the local traditions and cultures of its people, or of undermining their business and property.
Over the past 150 years, and the last 50 in particular, America's elect have eliminated the plain and common sense approach our forefathers established. Our Declaration of Independence reminds us that the people ever maintain the right to abolish or alter their form of government so as to assure their safety and happiness. James Madison concludes
“It is therefore essential that such changes be instituted by some informal and unauthorized propositions, made by some patriotic and respectable citizen or number of citizens."
This book details such a plan.
About the Author
The author believes Americans have the legal responsibility to be honest and helpful to one another, the right to know the laws to which we are held accountable, and the liberty to do and say those things which strengthen our constitutional republic.