Securing our Rights
A Framework for Liberty
Most elementary school children are taught to memorize The Preamble to the Constitution, and with good reason.
The Preamble outlines the “why” for America — why our founding fathers knew that it was imperative to establish a framework for liberty, the laws under which all men would have equal opportunity and maximum individual liberty.
The Preamble (1787)
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
On September 10, 1789, just two years after the ratification of the Constitution, the 1st Congress of the United States proposed to the state legislatures ten amendments – today known as The Bill of Rights.
The Strength of America
It is often said that the strength of America lies in its diversity. Yet, many Americans (and obviously the enemies of America) forget that unlike most nations, America is a “union” of states, each with its own government, its own goals, its own strengths and weaknesses.
It should come as no surprise that upon completing the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the 1st Continental Congress distributed hundreds of copies around Philadelphia and for members to take home with them, and as the first official reading of the Declaration ended, the crowd rose an in unison shouted: “God Bless These American States.”
We are the “United” States of America, not just “America,” and it is the stitching together of these geographic and sometimes philosophical differences that makes America greater and stronger than the sum of our “parts.”
We understand that the founding fathers and the amazing documents they created were all prepared to provide liberty to individuals, independence for the original 13 colonies and “interdependence” among all states to ensure that each is defended as part of the whole, and that interstate commerce and travel is never a problem. We are major proponents of “states rights” in the purest form of that term, not to allow fringe “societies” to escape the uniform rule of law, but to ensure that Americans have maximum choice in their place of residence
The Bill of Rights
Amendment I
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.
Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Amendment VII
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.