September 2005     

"from the Consent of the Governed..."

By Henry Lamb

Of all the words written about America's form of government, none are more important than these:

"Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed..."

This principle, firmly established in the Declaration of Independence, is defined in the U.S. Constitution. Fifty-five dedicated delegates, from twelve states, gathered in Philadelphia May 25, 1787, to create a system of governance that would establish the power of government in the people who elect representatives to do their bidding.

Throughout the long, hot summer, they argued, debated, discussed, and argued some more, until, finally, they completed a document to which 39 of the delegates could sign their names, on September 17. The document - the Constitution of the United States of America - became effective for the ratifying states June 21, 1788, when it was ratified by the ninth state, New Hampshire.

This document defines the "just" power of government, and creates a system that keeps the power of government in the hands of the people. The creation of a bicameral legislature was the result of heated debate, through which conflicting ideas were melded into an agreement that satisfied both arguments. The electoral college is an ingenious device to balance representation in rural areas with high-density population centers.

The best hope of energizing a generation of freedom-loving, and freedom-protecting Americans, is to instill a deep and abiding understanding and appreciation of not only the Constitution, but also, of the principles of freedom enshrined in this great document.

The Senate's power to advise and consent on presidential appointments, the power of Congress to structure and oversee the judicial system, the specific authority of the House of Representatives to initiate appropriations, are all examples of why the Constitution has served this nation so well.

The Bill of Rights, amended to the Constitution, goes even further to define the limits of government power. Free speech, freedom of religion, freedom to bear arms, freedom from arbitrary search and seizure, security in property, are all concepts much of the world has not yet learned to enjoy.

This nation, however, is in serious jeopardy of losing this great document.

No nation, or evil power can overwhelm this nation - yet. The threat to this great document arises from apathy. Inherent in any power is the compulsion to expand. Government power is especially vulnerable. Over the years, government has expanded its power well beyond the limits envisioned by those 39 signers of the original Constitution. Apathy by citizens who don't bother to vote, or who fail to learn how the people for whom they vote feel about these fundamental issues, have allowed government to usurp power that rightfully belongs to the people.

Those who would deliberately expand government's power at the expense of individual citizens, have worked diligently to persuade people that government is the solution to any problem. There is a deliberate attempt to convince people, especially students, that the Constitution is a "living" document that should be continually reinterpreted to satisfy contemporary values. There is a deliberate attempt to avoid teaching the principles of freedom embodied within the Constitution.

Instead, students are taught about the Constitution, but they are not taught why the Constitution has allowed the spectacular growth of freedom and prosperity this nation has experienced. Consequently, as students become young adults and enter the business and political arena, they are conditioned to accept whatever limitations on freedom the government may decide to impose. They are losing the very idea that the American government is designed to be empowered, and limited by the consent of the governed.

The best hope of energizing a generation of freedom-loving, and freedom-protecting Americans, is to instill a deep and abiding understanding and appreciation of not only the Constitution, but also, of the principles of freedom enshrined in this great document.

September 17 is Constitution Day, a day to celebrate our founding document. Every person should set aside time to re-read the Constitution. Every student should have a copy of the Constitution, and participate in a learning session that pounds the principles of freedom into his consciousness.

In cooperation with the National Center for Constitutional Studies, we are making pocket-size booklets (3-1/4 x 6-1/2) containing the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and several other related features, available for mass distribution. With every order for Constitutions, we are including a DVD featuring a two-hour movie illustrating the creation of the Constitution at the Philadelphia Convention. The DVD also includes a teacher's version of the movie, in five segments, designed especially for classroom, and home school use.

This nation has little hope of retaining its freedom, if its citizens fail to realize that those freedoms arise not from government, but from the Creator. In the natural process of government growth, its power can be increased only as the power of its citizens is diminished.

The only power on earth that can control the United States government is the collective power of American citizens. People-power begins with a thorough understanding of the structure, processes, and limitations of government, as set forth in the Constitution. It is imperative that we preserve this document, spirit, and in practical implementation.

Freedom is not automatic, even in America. A variety of forces conspire to diminish individual freedom. Freedom is not a spectator sport. Every American has an affirmative responsibility to protect, defend, and advance the principles of freedom for this, and every future generation.

Henry Lamb is the Executive Vice President of the Environmental Conservation Organization (ECO), and Chairman of Sovereignty International.