On this fateful day 223 years ago, James Madison helped to pen what I dare to consider to be the most important document ever written by man*, the Constitution of the United States. I suspect that most people forget about this day, or worse, believe that the Constitution was written and/or signed on our Independence Day, July 4, 1776.
Of course, this happens because we tend to forget that the United States had a constitution prior to that which we have now, the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union. Of course, this document (effective from 1777 to 1787) established a much weaker, ineffectual government that was soon seen as needing replacement for fear that foreign powers and internal trade disputes would tear the country apart.
That is where our current Constitution comes in. This document set up a government with a well defined sphere of influence and a clear separation of powers between its different branches and even itself and the States. While this concept has been forgotten, perverted, and downright ignored at numerous times since, I continue to have faith in the principles laid out therein. Further, I maintain hope that people will become interested, and dare I say concerned, about the state of affairs in relation to the Constitution. Finally, I hold dear to the love I have for our great nation.
May The Creator bless America and all those who cherish it.
* Some may argue that the Bible should hold title as the “most important document ever written by man,” forgetting that the Bible is seen by most theologians as being inspired by God, thus not entirely a work of man.
