"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union . . ." These are the opening words of the U.S. Constitution, signed 236 years ago on September 17, 1787. It is the oldest constitution in the world still in use and lays out our government's framework.
Our Constitution prevents great power being concentrated in a few hands. It spreads power among the Senate and the House that make the laws, the president who enforces the laws, and the judges who make sure the laws agree with the Constitution These three branches of government must work together and cannot do each other's jobs.
Citizens can hire or fire officials in the law-making body, congress. They can hire or fire the president, who is the head of the law-enforcing branch.
Citizens' votes elect the president who nominates judges. Citizens votes elect senators who either confirm or refuse to confirm the president's judge nominations to the courts.
The states and the federal government balance each other and compete over separate needs and interests.
The Electoral College protects states with few people against powerful states with many people, making sure that a president is elected by all the states, rather than just a few large cities.
These power balances cause the machinery of government to move slowly, allowing time for citizens to think and comment. They force elected officials to listen, discuss, and compromise. They have made possible the peaceful transfer of enormous power from one administration to the next. It protects citizens from upheavals and sudden changes so they can prosper in safety and stability. There is no better place to build a life than in the United States under this Constitution.
Come celebrate this wise document on Saturday, September 23 at Yowell Meadow Park at 2 p.m.
In 195 President Eisenhower in Proclamation 3151 designated September 17-23 as Constitution Week.
In 2004 Congress designated September 17-23 as Constitution Week. At that time congress also passed Public Law 108-447, Section 111 requiring educational institutions that receive Federal funds to hold an educational program for the students on September 17 each year and requiring Federal agencies and departments to "provide educational and training materials" concerning the Constitution for employees on September 17 yearly.
Come celebrate the signing of this wise document at Yowell Meadow Park at 2 p.m. on September 23, 2023.
Constitution Week Committee
Culpeper Minute Men Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
Our Constitution prevents great power being concentrated in a few hands. It spreads power among the Senate and the House that make the laws, the president who enforces the laws, and the judges who make sure the laws agree with the Constitution These three branches of government must work together and cannot do each other's jobs.
Citizens can hire or fire officials in the law-making body, congress. They can hire or fire the president, who is the head of the law-enforcing branch.
Citizens' votes elect the president who nominates judges. Citizens votes elect senators who either confirm or refuse to confirm the president's judge nominations to the courts.
The states and the federal government balance each other and compete over separate needs and interests.
The Electoral College protects states with few people against powerful states with many people, making sure that a president is elected by all the states, rather than just a few large cities.
These power balances cause the machinery of government to move slowly, allowing time for citizens to think and comment. They force elected officials to listen, discuss, and compromise. They have made possible the peaceful transfer of enormous power from one administration to the next. It protects citizens from upheavals and sudden changes so they can prosper in safety and stability. There is no better place to build a life than in the United States under this Constitution.
Come celebrate this wise document on Saturday, September 23 at Yowell Meadow Park at 2 p.m.
In 195 President Eisenhower in Proclamation 3151 designated September 17-23 as Constitution Week.
In 2004 Congress designated September 17-23 as Constitution Week. At that time congress also passed Public Law 108-447, Section 111 requiring educational institutions that receive Federal funds to hold an educational program for the students on September 17 each year and requiring Federal agencies and departments to "provide educational and training materials" concerning the Constitution for employees on September 17 yearly.
Come celebrate the signing of this wise document at Yowell Meadow Park at 2 p.m. on September 23, 2023.
Constitution Week Committee
Culpeper Minute Men Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
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