What is better for our country’s problems? A political or a constitutional outcome? Political results are usually a short-term fix that changes with the prevailing party in power. A constitutional solution adheres to the Supreme Law of the Land. It’s a solid foundation that connects us to the generations who lived in, fought for, and built our nation. Let’s look at a few national issues with an eye to constitutional solutions.
The Presidential Papers
This topic receives more press than any other these days-more coverage than the border, the national debt, young deaths from various causes, crime, etc. Why is this topic the headline stealer? What might be happening behind the scenes that the public does not yet know? What is a constitutional way to look at this issue?
The Fourteenth Amendment says that “no state shall “deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” It also implies that no one is above the law. What is wrong for you or me to do is wrong for anyone in a leadership or administrative position to do.
The Sixth Amendment principle is that a person is innocent of a crime until proven guilty, regardless of what it looks like in the media. You are entitled to a speedy, fair trial by jury with a defense attorney.
Can you see why a political outcome is inferior to a constitutional result in this case? A political outcome is based on feelings like sympathy or retribution. Rendering a constitutional application allows the facts to come to light and a better judgment.
The Border
If Article IV, Sec. 4 says that the federal government must protect us from invasion, does this imply guaranteed border protection?
“The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a republican (representative) Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.”
A political solution would benefit some people but not the citizenry as a whole. Is the U.S. Constitution specific to the U.S. or for the world? The constitutional outcome is preferable and lawful if it is specifically for Americans.
Lawlessness
The U.S. Constitution, in Article VI, calls itself the Supreme Law of the Land. Simply put, we have laws, and those laws must be followed. What results do you see when the law is ignored? Tyranny, death, destruction, low living standards, unhappiness, failure to thrive, bribery, and more.
Ask yourself if you see areas where the law is being ignored. What does the political outcome look like in that scenario? What does adherence to the Constitution yield?
Can you think of any other constitutional applications to national issues or potential outcomes?
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸
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