Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Debate Over Issues is as American as Apple Pie

"In questions of power, then, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution." -- Thomas Jefferson

Soon, Americans will celebrate the 222nd anniversary of the framing of the United States Constitution. Not only is this Constitution the oldest surviving one, it is also the shortest and was written in less than 100 days.

The framers of the Constitution spent many long hours debating and disagreeing with one another as they worked together for the good of the people. They listened and spoke their opinions without fear of reprisal from the government.

Freedom of speech was so important to the framers that they only agreed to sign the Constitution if a bill of basic rights was attached. On September 25, 1789, the Bill of Rights which includes the First Amendment was submitted to the states for ratification.

The First Amendment reads

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.

Do you know the Constitution? Have you read it lately? Why not take time to study the Constitution as America gears up for its 222nd birthday?


This Constitution Moment was brought to you by the James Waldrop Chapter DAR chartered in Fayetteville, GA.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia

Thursday, May 14, 2009

May 14, 1787 The Beginning the Convention to Overthrow the Articles of Confederation

May 14, 1787 and the rest, as they say, is history...

Constitutional Convention delegates begin to assemble

On this day in 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention begin to assemble in Philadelphia to confront a daunting task: the peaceful overthrow of the new American government as defined by the Article of Confederation. Although the convention was originally supposed to begin on May 14, James Madison reported that “a small number only had assembled.” Meetings had to be pushed back until May 25, when a sufficient quorum of the participating states--Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia—had arrived.......http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history.do?action=Article&id=622

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

15th Amendment Ratified February 3, 1870

American citizens, no matter what race or color, may vote. This 15th amendment to the United States Constitution was proposed February 26, 1869 and ratified February 3, 1870.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Religious Freedom Day, 2009

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Religious freedom is the foundation of a healthy and hopeful society. On Religious Freedom Day, we recognize the importance of the 1786 passage of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. We also celebrate the first liberties enshrined in our Constitution's Bill of Rights, which guarantee the free exercise of religion for all Americans and prohibit an establishment of religion.

Our Nation was founded by people seeking haven from religious persecution, and the religious liberty they found here remains one of this land's greatest blessings. As Americans, we believe that all people have inherent dignity and worth. Though we may profess different creeds and worship in different manners and places, we respect each other's humanity and expression of faith. People with diverse views can practice their faiths here while living together in peace and harmony, carrying on our Nation's noble tradition of religious freedom.

The United States also stands with religious dissidents and believers from around the globe who practice their faith peacefully. Freedom is not a grant of government or a right for Americans alone; it is the birthright of every man, woman, and child throughout the world. No human freedom is more fundamental than the right to worship in accordance with one's conscience.

Religious Freedom Day is an opportunity to celebrate our legacy of religious liberty, foster a culture of tolerance and peace, and renew commitments to ensure that every person on Earth can enjoy these basic human rights.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 16, 2009, as Religious Freedom Day. I call on all Americans to reflect on the great blessing of religious liberty, endeavor to preserve this freedom for future generations, and commemorate this day with appropriate events and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

The 17th Amendment

A state's governor, if authorized by the state legislature, is to appoint a replacement should the state's Senate seat become vacant. That appointee is to fill that seat until the next election.

Clause 2. When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of each State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.(1)

(1)www.findlaw.com

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Judges' View

The public welfare demands that constitutional cases must be decided according to the terms of the Constitution itself, and not according to judges’ views of fairness, reasonableness, or justice.

-Justice Hugo L Black

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Thursday, January 1, 2009

The American's Creed

The American's Creed

I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by
the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent
of the governed, a democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many
sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon
those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which
American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its
Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it
against all enemies.

William Tyler Page
1917
Accepted by the United States House of Representatives on April 3, 1918.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page