The question of whether the Constitution should be interpreted according to its original intent or allowed to evolve with changing times is a crucial one. My instinct is to be wary of the idea that the Constitution should “live and breathe” with history, especially when this notion is often championed by academics who are, frankly, part of an intellectual elite. But are we swayed by their arguments merely because they come from individuals with high academic credentials?
The Constitution Adapts Through the Amendment Process
Let’s remember that the Constitution was written for We the People, not We the Intelligentsia. The Founders were not only intellectually gifted, but they also had a profound understanding of human nature, government, and liberty. They designed the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, a framework meant to endure. If they had intended for it to change with every passing trend, they would not have provided a clear process for amending it (see Article V). This process ensures that changes are deliberate and reflect the will of the people rather than the whims of a few.
The Constitution Is Timeless and for “We the People”
Consider the language of the Preamble: “We the People… secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” The Founders explicitly included future generations—our posterity—in their vision. If the Constitution were intended to be a fluid document, why would they have used such definitive language?
The Founders established a process for amendment, but they did not leave the door open for arbitrary reinterpretation. They understood that the principles they enshrined were not just for their time, but for all time.
The Real Question Is…
The question, then, is not just whether the Constitution should change but how—and who gets to decide. This deliberate process ensures that any changes made to the Constitution are not hasty but carefully considered and reflect the will of the people.
So, what do you think? Should the Constitution be interpreted with the original intent of the Founders in mind, or should it be a living document that adapts to the changing times? Your voice and your opinion matter in this crucial debate about the future of our Constitution.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸
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