Why Study the Constitution?

The American form of government has been the most successful among nations for the last 230 years. The Constitution has been a beacon to people around the world seeking freedom in their own countries. Yet, how many of us today are truly familiar with the document and principles that we rely upon to guarantee our rights and freedoms?

Rational and social beings

Noah Webster defines “constitution” as: an agreement that sets in place a system of fundamental principles for the government of rational and social beings.

A constitution, you might say, lays out the basic rules of the game for people who want freedom for themselves and for others. Written to guarantee the rights of individuals and provide a framework for cooperation, the United States Constitution protects those rights.

The result has been, in many ways, the most successful and prosperous society in history. But what might happen if the players forget the rules of the game? Chaos, arguments, people making up their own rules. If we do not understand what the Constitution actually says, we could give up our rights and not even know it.

So, I wrote The People’s Guide to the United States Constitution for people who want to guarantee their own freedom and enjoy the benefits of living in a society, maybe even a world, which respects and protects human rights and freedom for all.

This book will give readers a basic understanding of what the Constitution actually says and, with this understanding, enable them to better decide for themselves how to claim and exercise their rights.

What would it be like to live in a country where everyone you met had read and understood the Constitution?”

A recent survey asked, “What would it be like to live in a country where everyone you met had read and understood the Constitution?” People of all ages and groups said there would be more respect and cooperation, the government would not violate people’s rights and people could work together to make that country better. I think we would all like that. The Constitution and the human rights it protects provide a common ground we can all share. The power to protect and preserve our freedoms begins when “We the people” become familiar with our own Constitution.