In the movie “With Honors” Simon Wilder, played by actor Joe Peshi, is called upon by the Harvard Professor to answer the question “What is the particular genius of the constitution?” His answer: “The genius of the constitution is that it can always be changed, the genius of the constitution is that makes no permanent rule other than its faith in the wisdom of ordinary people to govern themselves…” The rest I paraphrase; the founding fathers were great men, and they knew what all great men should know; that they did not know everything and left a way for us to change it. He of course refers to Article V.
The 13th Amendment abolished slavery; the 14th Amendment eliminated the three-fifths rule for the slaves. The 17th amendment provided for the direct popular election of Senators. The 18th Amendment instituted Prohibition, which was repealed 14 years later by the 21st Amendment. The 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote. However, every year, hundreds of amendments are proposed by congress, must do not pass. Getting Amendments passed is and should be difficult, in such a way as to deter frivolous and partisan in nature. Since 1789, Congress has sent 33 constitutional amendments to the states for ratification. Of these, 27 have been ratified.
So, why do I care and why have I chosen to make the constitution and the amendments my very first blog? Simply, The Constitution is the founding document that delineates the national frame of government, and together with the bill of rights offer the specific protection of individual liberty and justice. WE THE PEOPLE, the first three words of the Constitution, affirm that the government exist to serve its citizens, but does it?
Who has the power in United States; Who rules America? See my next blog.
Correction: Joe Pesci is the correct spelling. My apologies Mr. Pesci