Should We Achieve The Constitution's Goals Today?

In 1787, the Constitutional Convention proposed a new constitution which established a much stronger government. Eventually, it was ratified, replacing the Articles of Confederation. The question is, have we achieved the Constitution’s goals today? The first thing the delegates wanted to do was form a strong union. Forming a strong union meant building a country that could take advantage of the strengths the states gained from working together and protecting the independence of member states. The Constitution allows for amendments and provides mechanisms for resolving conflicts between the federal and state governments. I would give “forming a strong union” an “A” because while the government controls the United States, each individual state
The Fourteenth Amendment, which was ratified after the Civil War, states that no state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. This provision has ensured all individuals, regardless of their race and gender, are treated equally in the eyes of the law. Some examples of the Constitution upholding its promise for justice for all include “The Nineteenth Amendment, which granted women the right to vote, and the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, which lowered the voting age to 18.” (Constituting America paragraph 5). I would assign establishing equal justice for all an “A” because every person is subject to the same laws and legal proceedings, regardless of their status. Insuring domestic tranquility was the third thing the delegates wanted to accomplish. Domestic tranquility means peace and quiet at home. It imposes on the federal government a duty to protect states against domestic violence, terrorism, crime, and enforce laws and keep the
Establishing and maintaining a national fighting force was one of the responsibilities the Framers gave to Congress in the Constitution. I would give providing for the common defense an “A” because the Constitution has succeeded in protecting the U.S. citizens by providing for the military and fighting forces. Our men and women put their lives on the line every day to protect and defend our freedom. The House of Representatives recently passed the NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) which is legislation that “restores fiscal sanity to the defense budget, affirms our commitment to military families, prepares our forces for a dangerous world and rebuilds our military after a decade at war.” (crawford.house.gov) Promoting the general welfare was another purpose in the Preamble. Article 1, Section 8 states that Congress shall have power to “lay and collect taxes and duties, to provide for the general welfare of the United States.” The general welfare is the well-being of the nation and its people. Laws passed by Congress that promote the general welfare might include, for example, laws that provide for clean air and water, health care for all people, public safety and protection against terrorism or foreign powers, equal educational opportunity and providing safe