“From Promise to Power: Unveiling the Historical Tapestry of U.S. Amendments and the Call for Civic Engagement”
In reviewing the history of the country, there are numerous instances where in certain actions, taken initially by the Founders, led to the signing of The Declaration of Independence, on July 4, 1776 and the subsequent creation of the United States Constitution.
Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger has been quoted: “The Declaration of Independence was the promise; the Constitution was the fulfillment.”
In our review of the first Ten amendments, also referred to as The Bill of Rights, which was ratified effective December 1791, we find the establishment and protection of certain rights, in different amendments.
The First Amendment established the freedom of religion (to worship and not established by government), freedom of speech or of the press; the right of the people peaceably to assembly and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances.
Beyond the Second and Third Amendment, we find the Fourth and Fifth Amendments, which protect citizens from illegal searches, seizures and double jeopardy and from self – incrimination (not being a witness against oneself), respectively.
Farther in, we find the Thirteenth, which outlawed the “existence of slavery or servitude”, except as “a punishment for crime”.
We further found the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments, which protects citizens via ” No State shall make it enforce a law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens or shall deprive any person of life, liberty or pursuit of happiness, without due process nor deny any person the equal protection of the laws. “
The Fifteenth Amendment ensures that “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. “
It must be noted that Congress shall have the power to enforce these Amendments, by appropriate legislation.
Therefore, we must reflect what benefits are inherent, to citizens, and where the power to enact legislation and ensure protection lies – with Congress!
That end result can only be accomplished by an increase in voting participation, from registration to turnout at the polls and holding candidates for offices accountable!
VOTE- You’ll Be Glad You Did!
