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George Washington hoped that his Circular Letter to the States would hold the American people together. He wished this letter to emphasize the need for unity, and that the independence of the nation was dependent on it.

For today’s reading: CLICK HERE

The people loved Washington, and Washington loved them back and loved serving his country. This letter, was a letter of resignation of his service to the country. It was originally sent to the thirteen governors, but was published for all citizens to read.

Washington had seen, and delivered, America through some of its toughest times. He also knew that it wasn’t over. He felt that the Articles of Confederation were of defects that needed to be addressed. And, with this letter, Washington wished to express his thoughts on four things, which he stated were “essential to the well being . . . to the existence of the United States as an Independent Power.”

1st: An indissoluble Union of the States under one Federal Head.

2ndly: A Sacred regard to Public Justice.

3rdly: The adoption of a proper Peace Establishment, and

4thly: The prevalence of that pacific and friendly Disposition, among the People of the United States, which will induce them to forget their local prejudices and policies, to make those mutual concession which are requisite to the general prosperity, and in some instances, to sacrifice their individual advantages to the interest of the Community.

And, there you have it. George Washington went on for the remainder of his letter addressing these four issues. His argument was this:

“These are the Pillars on which the glorious Fabric of our Independency and National Character must be supported; Liberty is the Basis, and whoever would dare to sap the foundation, or overturn the Structure, under whatever specious pretexts he may attempt it, will merit the bitterest execration, and the severest punishment which can be inflicted by his injured Country.”

There was, and is, no doubt that Washington loved his country. Washington knew that what was laid out before America was not perfect. But, Washington had faith in the people of America that they could and would make it better. And so it was, that after having  operated under the Articles of Confederation for a period, something arguably much better came before this nation. The Constitution.

With special thanks to Constituting America and Heritage College, we will be taking part in their project:The U.S. Constitution: A Reader. It is a 90 day challenge to learn and dive deeper into understanding the Constitution.

We hope you are enjoying this journey to dig deeper into what inspired those who wrote the Constitution. If you are, TWEET IT!

A commentary on The Articles of Confederation and how they are the foundation to the Constitution.

With special thanks to Constituting America and Heritage College, we will be taking part in their project:The U.S. Constitution: A Reader. It is a 90 day challenge to learn and dive deeper into understanding the Constitution.

In case you missed it, catch up with day 25 HERE. We hope you are enjoying this journey to dig deeper into what inspired those who wrote the Constitution. If you are, TWEET IT!

For today’s reading: CLICK HERE

The Articles of Confederation

The building blocks for the Constitution are those things which we have spent time studying, but one could argue that the foundation rests in the Articles of Confederation. True, some of the writings we have looked at came before the Articles, but nothing helped shape the things to come for the better. Every good structure rests upon a strong foundation.

Our government today, operates under the construct of the Constitution. Early in its days, America didn’t really have an operators manual. Thanks to the Articles of Confederation, America had direction and guidelines which it could now follow. The Articles laid out a basic shape of how things should operate.

But why was it needed? At the time, states were still in their infancy and looking for direction themselves. They were working on their own state constitutions, and lacked the guidance needed in order to come together as a group of united states. It seems as though each state was looking to establish their own identities, while the national government tried to bring them to unity.

Enter if you will, the Articles of Confederation. This was the binding contract that stitched each state together. It gave them direction as to how they would assemble together on national issues. It defined how they would work together for the common good of the nation. Most of all, it gave identity to The United States of America.

Are you enjoying this series? If so, please share via Facebook, Twitter, Email or by posting your comments below.

With special thanks to Constituting America and Heritage College, we will be taking part in their project:The U.S. Constitution: A Reader. It is a 90 day challenge to learn and dive deeper into understanding the Constitution.

In case you missed it, catch up with day 24 HERE. We hope you are enjoying this journey to dig deeper into what inspired those who wrote the Constitution. If you are, TWEET IT!

For today’s reading: CLICK HERE

James Madison’s Essay: “Property”

James Madison was the fourth President of the United States. Before that, he was elected as a Virginia delegate where he worked tirelessly in the formation of the Constitution. Known as the “Father of the Constitution,” Madison also was the leader of the pack when it came time to pen the first ten amendments, what we know today as the Bill of Rights. Some of his commentaries at the time, including his essays for The Federalist Papers, were published in newspapers and discussed at length the Constitution.

One essay that Madison published was simply titled “Property.” In this commentary, James Madison wished to speak on the idea of property rights in connection with man’s natural rights. Speaking very little on the idea that property was a natural right, Madison spent time discussing the rights of the property owner and the intrusion of government.

So, what were the rights of the property owner? More importantly, what is property? Well, it is anything that one would place a value on which would give its claim-holder dominion. If it be his, his natural right to protect what was his is just that, natural. For anyone to have claim of something, it is only natural that they wish to protect it. Also, you are at liberty to do with it what you may.

So, what does the government have to do with property? Taxes! The government looked at property in similar fashion as industry would look to a product being produced. Their view was that if they were being paid taxes, it was as if they were the producer which would give them certain rights. Madison understood this to be incorrect. The property owner had full rights, and none to the government who wished to do with the property what they may.

The foundation of property rights had been laid out by Madison, as did many other rights. These rights, we as Americans, have come to know and love. It separates us from other nations, and it is the magnetism that draws others to want to be Americans.

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With special thanks to Constituting America and Heritage College, we will be taking part in their project:The U.S. Constitution: A Reader. It is a 90 day challenge to learn and dive deeper into understanding the Constitution.

In case you missed it, catch up with day 23 HERE. We hope you are enjoying this journey to dig deeper into what inspired those who wrote the Constitution. If you are, TWEET IT!

For today’s reading: CLICK HERE

Thomas Jefferson’s Letter to the Danbury Baptist Association

We’ve discussed before the work done by Thomas Jefferson on religious freedoms. But, that work was done before being elected President. Able to do the work at the request of the people, before being president he worked tirelessly on declaring religious freedoms as Natural Rights. As President, he was now more constrained by the confines of the Constitution.

Where he could once work at state levels, as president he was over the entire population of the people. What was good for one state, in his view, was not always good for the whole. Those restrictions were left to the state governments to govern over. If a small group felt that their liberties were being threatened, it was, and is, up to the state to regulate through their state constitutions. The government was not able to set rule at state level. The Constitution clearly states that. Jefferson knew and understood this.

And, upon receiving a letter from the Danbury Baptist Association, it was imperative that he express this. So in his response, he stated that there were clear lines upon the action of the national government and state governments. Which brought welcome the phrase “separation between church and state.”

Jefferson had an understanding that one’s religious beliefs were between himself and his God, he knew that the government could not interfere with these Natural Rights. Which brings us to there being a separation between church and state. The state could not favor one side only. They could only adhere to the fact the Natural Rights were bestowed upon each and every person. Nobody could come between that.

Whether this satisfied the request of the Danbury Baptist Association or not, Jefferson’s response would set the precedence for years to come. And, while the Bill of Rights had already been ratified and applied to the Constitution, his expression and explanation on one’s religious rights is satisfying. His adherence to the confines of the Constitution is exemplary.

Are you enjoying this series? Please comment below or share on Facebook, Twitter or via Email.

With special thanks to Constituting America and Heritage College, we will be taking part in their project:The U.S. Constitution: A Reader. It is a 90 day challenge to learn and dive deeper into understanding the Constitution.

In case you missed it, catch up with day 22 HERE. We hope you are enjoying this journey to dig deeper into what inspired those who wrote the Constitution. If you are, TWEET IT!

For today’s reading: CLICK HERE

George Washington’s Farewell Address

George Washington was a pillar among men. He exemplified what it meant to be an American. He was a Patriot chosen by the people, and urged to continue his role as President into a third term. Washington had different plans, As a matter of fact, he didn’t even plan on serving a second term; but as duty would call, he served his country yet again.

This farewell address originally was slated to mark the end of his first term, but it was set aside when he decided to serve his second term. At the approach of the end of his final term, he would revisit this address with the assistance of James Madison.

In this thirty two page handwritten address, Washington touched on a few topics he felt were necessary for the American people to focus their attention to.

There had began to be a lot of politics at the time, and with the start of a two party system, Washington wanted to warn the people about the idea. He was opposed to it. He didn’t want to see division among the people. Unity was, and is, what binds the people together.

On the Constitution, Washington felt extremely strong about. It was a single document that constrained the powers of the government. It served as protection for the people. It was the check and balance that would regulate the powers and laws placed on the people. He went on to warn that political divisions would be too much of a distraction for the government.

Another thing that Washington was concerned about was federal spending. He felt very strong about the idea of a balanced budget, adding that unnecessary borrowing would place a financial burden on the people.

One of the most referenced topics of his farewell address, is on religion. George Washington was a faithful man. He was often observed in prayer. Nobody can sum it up better than the way Washington said it himself:

“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice ? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”

Upon the closing remarks, Washington wished to make a few remarks on what he saw as his failures. Having served America and it’s people for so many years, Washington wanted the people to know that he made some mistakes. He was a humble man, who stood tall among the ranks of men.

 

 

With special thanks to Constituting America and Heritage College, we will be taking part in their project:The U.S. Constitution: A Reader. It is a 90 day challenge to learn and dive deeper into understanding the Constitution.

In case you missed it, catch up with day 21 HERE. We hope you are enjoying this journey to dig deeper into what inspired those who wrote the Constitution. If you are, TWEET IT!

For today’s reading: CLICK HERE

George Washington’s Letter to the Hebrew Congregation

George Washington was a man full of faith. There is nothing more evident of that than how he conducted himself and chose his words. It was often, even on the battlefield as General, that he was seen kneeling in prayer seeking Divine guidance.

During his years as President, the Constitution had little to say about religious freedoms. The Bill of Rights had yet to be adopted. But, Washington had an inspired understanding that, as the Declaration of Independence stated, we are endowed with certain Natural Rights. That they are given by a Higher being, not by the government. And, that these Natural Rights were held in possession by all, that there was no discrimination to either of the faiths.

George Washington took liberty to express those sentiments to a group of Jewish Americans in a response to a note that he received from them. The note was of congratulatory nature. And, in his letter to the Hebrew congregation, he wished to express that religious liberty was not a gift given or granted by the government. It was, and is, a Natural Right. One that every person has the freedom to participate in.

In the letter, he also took liberty to give his personal blessing to them. It was his wish that they continue to be blessed in this land of opportunity, as was that everyone receive that consistent blessing.

It is with great humility, and wish, that we continue with the inspiration of the likes of George Washington. His Reverence and Faith stood the trials presented to him, and he still remains a pillar “worthy of imitation.”

Are you enjoying this series? Please share via Facebook, Twitter, Email or any other way you see fit.

With special thanks to Constituting America and Heritage College, we will be taking part in their project:The U.S. Constitution: A Reader. It is a 90 day challenge to learn and dive deeper into understanding the Constitution.

In case you missed it, catch up with day 20 HERE. We hope you are enjoying this journey to dig deeper into what inspired those who wrote the Constitution. If you are, TWEET IT!

For today’s reading: CLICK HERE

Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom

For someone to want to be remembered for something, they must feel it to be of great importance. For Thomas Jefferson, on his tombstone, he wished to be remembered for only three things: the author of the Declaration of Independence, the father of the University of Virginia, and author of the law for religious freedom.

A standing issue for many years has been of religious freedom. Some say we are not a Christian nation, while the rest say that America is. However you want to look at it, America was founded on deep Judeo-Christian beliefs. That is supported when one looks at the careful wording of the revered Founding documents, and others throughout its history.

Rooted in those, is this law written by Thomas Jefferson declaring religious freedom. This law set the precedence for the eventual adoption into the Constitution as part of the First Amendment. It states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. . .”

This law came at a time when many churches were trying to establish their foundations, and become the influence and governing bodies of areas. So, it was of great importance to offer dividing lines as to where the relationship between religion and government started and ended. Enter, the separation of church and state.

Well, Jefferson sought to define this separation. He issued that people were, and should be, free to choose whatever religion they wished to be associated with. He also wanted to state that religion was not the governing body, but that it was influential in the opinions and beliefs of the minds of men. And, that’s exactly what this law did.

Its eventual passing by the state of Virginia in 1786, would later be similarly adopted by the other thirteen colonies. And, its influence was powerful in the passing of what we now call the Bill of Rights. Which, we all know is part of the Constitution.

So, is there a reason for the separation of the church and the state? Yes. Is America rooted in the Judea-Christian principle that we are free, and endowed with Natural Rights? Most definitely. It is what separates America from all other nations. The freedom not only to worship whatever God you wish, but also not have one church sit at the head of the state.

This was a proud moment for Thomas Jefferson. So proud that it was one of three things of all that he did, in which he wanted to be remembered for. Thankful we are, as a people and nation, for the passing of this law and its adoption into the Constitution.

Are you enjoying this series? Please comment below and share it via Facebook, Twitter and/or Email.

With special thanks to Constituting America and Heritage College, we will be taking part in their project:The U.S. Constitution: A Reader. It is a 90 day challenge to learn and dive deeper into understanding the Constitution.

In case you missed it, catch up with day 19 HERE. We hope you are enjoying this journey to dig deeper into what inspired those who wrote the Constitution. If you are, TWEET IT!

For today’s reading: CLICK HERE

The Northwest Ordinance

Go west! At least that was the idea. And that idea set forth the model for expanding America.

America’s Independence was still young, but that’s what drew the attention of everyone. People were searching for their own independence. It’s what caused people to flood the colonies. America was a magnet that needed to expand.

Introduce: The Northwest Ordinance. A blueprint for the expansion of America. This would help lay the foundation of things to come as America looked to the areas of the west.

So, why did they adopt this new ‘ordinance?’ Simple. There was structure needed for the newly claimed land, and this provided that.

It laid out the groundwork necessary to form a governing body. The ordinance laid out very clearly what United States wanted, and it did so in an orderly way. At the time, some politicians wanted it laid out so orderly that when it came time to divide the land, they wanted it done in equal blocks. However, others saw fit to use natural landmarks such as rivers and bodies of water to be the dividing lines.

The beginnings of ‘local government’ were set forth with this ordinance also. It issued specific measures as how to lay it out and also what to do in the case of expansion.

Another few things that it did was to prohibit slavery in new territories, protect people’s religious liberties, and promote the idea of being entitled to a fair trial.

Those were some of the reasons people were drawn to America to begin with. The idea of Natural Rights had been born. People were free, and they wanted that right to be protected. They also wanted to be able to freely practice their religions. The idea of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness was what it was all about. These were among the Natural Rights that were cherished and were to be preserved.

It also stated that “the means of education shall forever be encouraged.” They wanted people to know that education was important to the cause of America. Did this mean that education was to be managed and governed by the government? Not at all. As a matter of fact, it meant the complete opposite. It placed that responsibility onto the people. It was encouraged. It doesn’t mean that everyone had to do it, it meant that education was important.

This ordinance was a simple plan. It didn’t call for complexity in government. It laid out a very simple structure to follow, which was to be led by the people of the communities. They knew what was best for themselves. They didn’t want a bloated governing body. Things were a lot simpler then. Something we should look to today.

Enjoying this series? Please comment below and share via Facebook, Twitter or Email.

With special thanks to Constituting America and Heritage College, we will be taking part in their project:The U.S. Constitution: A Reader. It is a 90 day challenge to learn and dive deeper into understanding the Constitution.

In case you missed it, catch up with day 18 HERE. We hope you are enjoying this journey to dig deeper into what inspired those who wrote the Constitution. If you are, TWEET IT!

For today’s reading: CLICK HERE

Fast Day Proclamation

Still in its infant stages, America was feeling weak and humble. Why? They had been at war and were suffering great losses, even though they were triumphant in the end. Which brought many Americans, including the Continental Congress to their knees.

Why their knees? Prayer! You see, at the time, America’s faith was its guiding principle. They held reverence in their hearts for God Almighty! And it showed in how they conducted business as a government.

At the time, there was no line to walk on the separation of church and state. That idea wouldn’t come to pass until some years later when Thomas Jefferson said, “Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should ‘make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,’ thus building a wall of separation between Church and State.”

So, why then was the Continental Congress calling on the people to fasting and prayer? They had many things to be thankful for, they had suffered many losses and they needed the guidance, direction and comfort that only God can provide.

Their call to the people and members of Congress was stated:

“. . . and whereas, it becomes all public bodies, as well as private persons, to reverence the Providence of God, and look up to him as the supreme disposer of all events, and the arbiter of the fate of nations; therefore,

Resolved, That it be recommended to all the United States, as soon as possible, to appoint a day of solemn fasting and humiliation; to implore of Almighty God to forgiveness of the many sins prevailing among all ranks, and to beg the countenance of his Providence. . .”

While there had been other times throughout history where the government has asked the whole body of the people to pray and fast, this time was a little different.

They were humbled to their knees in that they had been delivered from tyranny, and that they had been guided to their independence. They were an inspired body of people. And, it would serve our current body well, to respond as they did in fasting and prayer.

These times are no different. Are we suffering great losses from a war? Yes! Are we feeling the constraints of a tyrannical government? Yes! Should we be humbled and gratified for the Blessing of an Almighty God that watches over America and it’s people? Yes! Then maybe we could follow suit with a similar proclamation.

If you are enjoying this series, please share it via Facebook, Twitter or Email and post your comments below. 

With special thanks to Constituting America and Heritage College, we will be taking part in their project:The U.S. Constitution: A Reader. It is a 90 day challenge to learn and dive deeper into understanding the Constitution.

In case you missed it, catch up with day 17 HERE. We hope you are enjoying this journey to dig deeper into what inspired those who wrote the Constitution. If you are, TWEET IT!

For today’s reading: CLICK HERE

Virginia Declaration of Rights

Widely considered as one of the Founding Fathers, no one was more influential as George Mason. His work helped shape things to come in America. While serving as a delegate for Virginia, he drafted what we know today as the Virginia Declaration of Rights.

A document has never had the traction as such did his work. Its tones can be connected with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. Ratified in June of 1776, it still stands virtually unchanged as part of the Constitution of the State of Virginia.

Below you will find a few ideas from this document that found its way into the national government.

• That all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights . . . namely . . . of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.
• Power is derived from the People
• That government is instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community
• That the Legislative and Executive powers of the State should be seperate and distinct from the Judicative
• A man hath a right to demand the cause and nature of his accusation, to be confronted with the accusers and witnesses; and to a speedy trial by and impartial jury of his vicinage.
• That the freedom of the Press is one of the greatest bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained by by a despotic Government.
• That a well-regulated Militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defense of a free State.
• All men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion.

That is quite a list of ideas that helped found this nation. And, while he did have a small bit of help with wording and the likes, but his patriotism has never been questioned. And, with a resume topped with drafting one of the most influential documents this nation has seen, it is easy to see why.

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