My American Rights

For all of my life, I have been an American citizen. I’ve never thought of my freedoms and rights as being a blessing, for I’ve never known anything different. But now that I have gone to DC and have seen all of our national buildings and landmarks, like the white house, Arlington Cemetery, the Jefferson Memorial, and so on, I now have a newly founded appreciation for my liberties. All of the rights I have as an american are very special and unique, for the concept of everyone being equal was new in our world. Also, the bravery of our forefathers is astonishing, for they could have been tried and hung for treason if we didn’t win the war. And the government they establish is completely original and is completely, as put by our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, “of the people, by the people, for the people,” and in my opinion, constructed in liberty, and most importantly, freedom. As an American, I have many rights and liberties given to me by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Some of these rights include the freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the freedom to petition, and our freedom of assembly. We also, because of the Bill of Rights, can start our own
businesses because of the free market. We also can protect ourselves, for we have the right to bear arms and have a militia. And last but not least, we have equality between all of our people. As it says in Galatians 3:28, “Now, in Christ, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Greek, a slave or free, male or female. You are all the same in Christ Jesus.”
I feel that these liberties are such a blessing to me, and I thank the people who wrote and fought for these freedoms, our forefathers. Our American forefathers are a very crucial part of America, for if the didn’t do what the did, we would not have all of the many freedoms we have today.
Our forefathers started our country with the declaration of Independence, which was written by Thomas Jefferson. The very crucial document gave us the rights to, as put by Thomas Jefferson, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” This new idea was completely original, for at the time, all of the other countries were ruled by kings and kings. By our forefathers signing the declaration, they risked the safety and lives of themselves, their families, and many others. Because the did that daring act, I have a deep respect for them. For by our forefathers creating our democracy, we have our freedoms, and also our many
liberties. Our American government is very intricate, and has something that I think is very important, representation. Because of our country's democracy, the people are able to, as said in the constitution's preamble, “establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity,” Representation in our government is shown in the executive branch. Along with the executive branch is the judicial branch and the legislative branch. Another key establishment in our government is the many check and balances the the three branches over each other. For example, if the president, who is the head of the executive branch, was to veto a law, the legislative branch could override the veto with two thirds vote in the house of representatives and the supreme court, and that is check and balances at work. I think that without the government our forefathers have created, America would not be as powerful in the world today as it would be without. I’ve never truly appreciated how much of a blessing it is for me to be an american citizen. For as an american, I have many rights and liberties, which includes freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and so on. I also have a new respect for our forefathers. By them taking the risk of creating the declaration of independence, the risked their lives for the justice and freedom for the future generations to settle in the United States. And last but not least, I now understand our democracy, which is completely fueled by representation, freedom, and ultimately, justice. All in all, I am thankful for my government, my country, and my God.