Since the days of lockdowns, we experience Independence Day, July Fourth, with a renewed fervor. When mandates curtailed our taken-for-granted freedoms, many citizens took an interest in the powers of government.
As we celebrate independence, We the People are motivated to reflect on our country’s foundational freedoms. The Constitution of the United States of America is the definitive document that guarantees rights for citizens.
The U. S. Constitution establishes how the federal government functions. It defines three branches of government: the legislative power, the executive power and the judicial power. It provides for a system of checks and balances so that no branch should be able to exceed its powers.
The federal Constitution further explains that each state shall have its own “Republican Form of Government.” This does not refer to a political party, but “republican” means that state representatives are accountable to the people.
The Constitution of the State of California is based on the federal Constitution. It defines how the government functions in our state and again places limitations on powers so that the rights of citizens are not violated.
While the U.S. Constitution defines and limits the powers of government, our founders also realized the immediate need for a defined Bill of Rights. A set of ten amendments established restrictions preventing abuse of governmental power against citizens.
When the public hears a cry about First Amendment rights or Second Amendment rights, the reference is to the Amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America. The Bill of Rights consists of ten amendments that were ratified on December 15, 1791. Since that time other amendments have brought the total to 27 amendments.
The First Amendment of the Constitution guarantees many specific rights to each citizen. It defines civil liberties that are vital for freedom.
Interesting to note, the founders found freedom of religion to be of utmost importance. Many of the original colonists came to America to escape religious persecution. They gave up life in Europe to carve out a new existence based on their faith beliefs.
The Constitution clearly states that the government cannot determine any religion to be valid or invalid. It guarantees everyone’s right to freely exercise religious practices. Government officials cannot dictate where, when or how a religious group may or may not worship.
Furthermore, no law shall be made that abridges the freedom of speech or that of the press. People can freely speak and write without the government limiting their communications. Other forms of expression, such as art and attire, are protected rights under this clause.
Importantly, while no laws may abridge the freedom of speech, we can be held accountable for what we say. People are protected from libelous or slanderous remarks and verbal abuses.
The First Amendment guarantees that we can peacefully assemble to share ideas. Whenever we believe that government officials are not performing correctly, we have the right to petition our government to redress grievances.
According to our Constitution, only Congress has the authority to make laws. The same principle applies in our state constitution. Our constitutional government gives no authority to make laws to the President, nor any governor nor agency. Our founders never imagined that any one person or any group besides Congress could mandate how citizens could or could not act.
Furthermore, the power to make and declare war is assigned to Congress, not the President. The idea is that representatives from a majority of states must agree to such a critical decision.
On the Fourth of July, consider beginning the day with a Bill of Rights discussion during breakfast. To start, use points here or pull up the Bill of Rights on a device.
(Janet Miller is a freelance writer specializing in family faith. She offers Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides on compact disc for families to explore the Bible together. Email jmiller@dospalos.org.)
