The Divine Origins of The Constitution

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Why do we, as Americans, believe that our Constitution and form of government are so important? There are many nations in the world with various forms of governments. What makes ours stand out? What makes it special? Why is it necessary that we befriend the Constitution?

Our Constitution is special because it did not come from man, but from our Heavenly Father. It stands out because it is the best form of government for mortal men. In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord acknowledges that He is the author of the Constitution. D&C 101:80 says, “And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose…”

The entire history of the United States is one of Divine origin. In a vision to Nephi, recorded in 1 Nephi 13, Heavenly Father explained how He guided the destiny of the United States. He inspired Columbus to discover America (verse 12). He gave promptings to those such as the Pilgrims, with deep Christian convictions and yearnings for freedom, to leave their homeland and travel to the New World (verse 13) to establish colonies. When war broke out between the colonies and Great Britain, our Heavenly Father again exercised divine intervention and strengthened the fledgling colonies, allowing them to win the Revolutionary War (verses 17-18). In this way, He set the stage for the creation of the Constitution.

After the Revolutionary war, it became obvious that a new type of government was necessary. The colonies sent delegates to Philadelphia to solve the problem. The men who met that summer were very different. They had very different backgrounds, interests and ideas. Sometimes the arguments were intense. There were several times when it seemed like they would fail. But somehow, despite their different backgrounds, ideas and feelings, they managed to write the Constitution. The fact that men who were so different could come together and agree is evidence that Heavenly Father was helping and guiding them. The first president of our Country, George Washington, said, “No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the affairs of men, more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency.” George Washington acknowledged and was thankful for the help Heavenly Father gave in establishing the United States and the Constitution.

Why is it important to understand and believe that our Constitution is inspired of God? Why does it matter to us where it came from? It matters for this reason: if we believe that the Constitution is inspired, then we believe that the rights and privileges contained are given to us by God. And if we believe they are given to us by God, we understand the importance in not giving up those rights and privileges to those who would try to persuade us that there is a better way. We already have the best way. We know that the Constitution comes from God. We know that it is the best form of government. It would follow, then, that it deserves our loyalty, support, and protection.

Sources:
George Washington, First Inaugural Address, April 30, 1789

Published July 10, 2016

Our Purpose

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“And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me. Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land.”

We are a group of Latter-day Saints who love and revere the Constitution of the United States. We recognize it as an inspired document, founded in the wisdom of God. Our feelings toward the Constitution are best expressed in the words of Ezra Taft Benson: “I reverence the Constitution of the United States as a sacred document. To me its words are akin to the revelations of God, for God has placed his stamp of approval on the Constitution of this land.” These feelings of reverence for the Constitution come with a desire to befriend and defend it and the timeless principles upon which it was founded. As Ezra Taft Benson said, “For centuries our forefathers suffered and sacrificed that we might be the recipients of the blessings of freedom. If they were willing to sacrifice so much to establish us as a free people, should we not be willing to do the same to maintain that freedom for ourselves and for future generations?” How then, do we do that?

John Taylor related: “Some years ago, in Nauvoo, a gentleman in my hearing, a member of the Legislature, asked Joseph Smith how it was that he was enabled to govern so many people, and to preserve such perfect order; remarking at the same time that it was impossible for them to do it anywhere else. Mr. Smith remarked that it was very easy to do that. ‘How?’ responded the gentleman; ‘to us it is very difficult.’ Mr. Smith replied, ‘I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves.’”

John Adams stated the same concept in these words: “It is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand.”

There are correct principles, with religious and moral roots, upon which freedom and self government must be based and without which they cannot exist. When people live their lives and structure their governments according to these principles, peace, prosperity, and freedom naturally follow. When they turn away from them, confusion, bondage, and destruction will be the inevitable result.

On June 21, 1788, The Constitution of the United States was ratified. Our Founding Fathers, drawing upon experience, history, religion, and inspiration from Deity, established a system of government grounded in principles of freedom. The Constitution is for a people willing to understand the principles upon which it is based. It is for those willing to understand correct principles of personal behavior and live accordingly. For, as Thomas Jefferson said, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” And as John Adams stated, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.”

Befriend The Constitution is dedicated to teaching the principles necessary for freedom and self government. We accept as our authorities the founding documents of the United States, the words of the Founding Fathers, ancient and modern scripture, and the words of the ancient and modern prophets. We will discuss the principles upon which the Constitution is based. We will discuss the structure and function of the Constitution. We will review the application of the Constitution in our day. We will suggest reading material that will help the interested person gain greater understanding.

Please join with us in befriending and defending the Constitution and helping to preserve our Republic. No matter where you are in your understanding of the Constitution, we have a place for you here. Whether you are a beginner in the study of the Constitution, or a seasoned friend and defender, you can help. Please help us by spreading the word. Share our website with your friends, family and coworkers. Follow us on Facebook and like and share our posts. When you read an article you find helpful, share it with others. Teach others about the Constitution and principles of freedom. With your help, we can make a difference in the defense of our Constitution, our Republic and the principles that make America great.

Sources:
Doctrine and Covenants 98:5-6
Our Divine Constitution, Ezra Taft Benson, General Conference, October 1987
Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Joseph Smith, pg 284
https://en.wikiquote.org/ wiki/John_Adams
https://en.wikiquote.org/ wiki/Thomas_Jefferson
https://en.wikiquote.org/ wiki/John_Adams

Published July 4, 2016

Do We Need The 17th Amendment?

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“If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.” So said James Madison in the Federalist Papers.
In the Doctrine and Covenants we read, “We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.”

Government is ordained of God and is necessary for the peace and safety of society. Without it, society would descend into a state of anarchy and terror. However, since government is administered by men, and since men nearly always misuse power, government tends to grow and become more powerful and oppressive. Therefore, government must be designed to control the men in power.

The Founders feared that a national government would grow until it had usurped the power of the states and became all powerful. Therefore, the Constitution contains many mechanisms for controlling the power of the federal government. It starts by granting the federal government a limited set of powers, leaving all other powers to the states. It divides the power of the federal government between its three branches. It gives each branch of government power to help control the other branches. (To learn more about these mechanisms see the articles in our “Basics” section.)

Another important mechanism for controlling the federal government was to make it dependent upon the state governments. This was done by requiring Senators to be chosen by the state legislatures. Thus, the Senate represented the states and could protect their interests. Controlling the Senate allowed the states to maintain their sovereignty and authority and gave them a way to prevent the federal government from becoming too powerful.

The 17th Amendment to the Constitution changed the manner in which Senators were chosen. They are now chosen directly by the people through popular vote. As a result the Senate no longer represents the States and the States no longer have a way to protect their interests or to control the federal government. As a result, the federal government has grown until it has usurped the power of the states and has become the too powerful government the Founders feared. The federal government now effectively controls the state governments and dictates much of what they do.

Many people recognize that the federal government needs to be reigned in. The states complain that the federal government is too powerful and exercises too much control over them. People complain that the federal government now intrudes into every aspect of their lives. The reason is that we’ve departed from the ingenious original design of the Constitution. The Founders, under the inspiration of God, foresaw the danger of an uncontrolled federal government and put mechanisms in place to prevent it. Had we not tinkered with the Founders design, by creating the 17th amendment, the federal government could never have grown to what it is today.

The federal government can only be brought under control if the States are given the power to control it. That power was given to them by the Constitution but was lost though the 17th Amendment. If the States are to have their sovereignty and authority restored, and if the power of the federal government’s power over the people is to be reduced, then the 17th amendment needs to be repealed.

Published August 27, 2017

Do We Need a Constitutional Convention?

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From time to time there are efforts to encourage the states to call for a constitutional convention. Recent efforts have focused on amending the Constitution to require a balanced federal budget or to limit the power of the Federal Government. So far such efforts have failed. Many fear that a constitutional convention cannot be controlled and proposed amendments could alter or destroy the Constitution itself and strip us of our liberties.

Some states have called for a convention but placed limits on what types of amendments their representatives to the convention could propose or support. However, the Constitution sets no limits on the types of amendments that can be proposed (with two exceptions) nor does it give the states power to set limits. So it is doubtful that such limits can be enforced by the states. Many of the delegates to the original Constitutional Convention of 1787 had been instructed to only amend the Articles of Confederation and nothing else. However, they ignored their instructions and drew up an entirely new constitution. The same could easily happen again.

Some argue that if a constitutional convention produced bad amendments the state legislatures could merely refuse to ratify them. However, ratification can be done by either the state legislatures or by special conventions. Congress decides which. So Congress could call for special ratification conventions and completely bypass the state legislatures. The 21st Amendment was ratified in this manner. The Drafters of the Constitution chose to have it ratified by special conventions in the states and bypassed the state legislatures. The legislatures could easily be bypassed again.

There is no guarantee the states can limit the type of amendments proposed in a convention, nor is there a guarantee the state legislatures will have the opportunity to block bad amendments. In short, when states call for a constitution convention they may be starting a process they can neither control nor stop. The end result may be a changed constitution that no longer protects our liberties.

What the states appear to want is some measure of control over the Federal Government. They seek to gain that control by amending the Constitution itself. However, the Constitution originally gave the states power over the Federal Government. That control came through Senators being chosen by the state legislatures. With the states controlling the Senate, the Federal Government could be kept under control by the states.

The 17th Amendment changed the way Senators are chosen. They are now elected directly by the people. The states gave up control of the Senate when they ratified the 17th amendment. A better way for the states to reign in the Federal Government would be to work for the repeal of the 17th Amendment. That repeal could be done via Congress and thus avoid the dangers of a Constitution Convention.

Published March 5, 2017

Returning to the Constitution

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Some have wondered if there is a reason to study the Constitution and the founding of our nation. Government today is so far removed from the Constitution that this founding document can seem irrelevant. It can seem impossible to ever get government back within its constitutional bounds. However, if we recognize the constitution as the ideal, then its study is clearly the only way to get back to good government.

Ezra Benson said: “We must learn the principles of the Constitution and then abide by its precepts. Have we read the Constitution and pondered it? Are we aware of its principles? Could we defend it? Can we recognize when a law is constitutionally unsound?”

Today, the federal government operates largely outside the bounds of the Constitution. It is becoming the all powerful central government the Founders feared. It has largely usurped the power of the state governments and effectively controls them through various means. How the government operates today is far from what was intended. When we compare the issues and policies of today with the principles of the Constitution we can begin to see where and how the government has gone wrong.

If we are to regain our freedoms and see the government once again operating within its proper bounds then we must hold our elected representatives accountable. Do we understand the proper structure and operation of government and what our representatives are required to do? Is our understanding sound enough to recognize when our representatives have overstepped the bounds placed upon them by the Constitution? If we, as citizens, cannot answer yes to these questions then who is in control?

How can we stop the deterioration of the ideals and values upon which our society is based and the destruction of our rights? We must first understand what they are and from where they come. Those who founded this nation and framed the Constitution had religious and moral beliefs that not only formed the basis of of our society but also our form of government. As we study the intent of the Founders we can understand the religious and moral foundation upon which our freedoms rest.

The Constitution is an inspired document. This has been attested to by the Founders of this nation, by ancient and modern scripture, and by ancient and modern prophets. Joseph Smith said: “The Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard; it is founded in the wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner.” The Doctrine and Covenants states that the Constitution “should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh”. As we depart from the principles of the Constitution we move from being governed by the wisdom of God to being governed by the wisdom of men.

We cannot improve our government by departing from the principles of the Constitution. We can only make it worse. The problems we face today are because we have departed from the Constitution. Will the problems be fixed by departing further? The solution lies in going back to the Constitution.

To get back to the Constitution we need to have studied it and understand it. We need to know it is inspired and that departing from it is wrong. We need to understand its religious and moral roots. We need to understand the proper role of government. We need to know what is expected of our elected officials and hold them accountable. Remember that the Constitution says “We the People”.

This is why studying the Constitution matters.

Published September 26, 2016

The Divine Origins of The Constitution

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Why do we, as Americans, believe that our Constitution and form of government are so important? There are many nations in the world with various forms of governments. What makes ours stand out? What makes it special? Why is it necessary that we befriend the Constitution?

Our Constitution is special because it did not come from man, but from our Heavenly Father. It stands out because it is the best form of government for mortal men. In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord acknowledges that He is the author of the Constitution. D&C 101:80 says, “And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose…”

The entire history of the United States is one of Divine origin. In a vision to Nephi, recorded in 1 Nephi 13, Heavenly Father explained how He guided the destiny of the United States. He inspired Columbus to discover America (verse 12). He gave promptings to those such as the Pilgrims, with deep Christian convictions and yearnings for freedom, to leave their homeland and travel to the New World (verse 13) to establish colonies. When war broke out between the colonies and Great Britain, our Heavenly Father again exercised divine intervention and strengthened the fledgling colonies, allowing them to win the Revolutionary War (verses 17-18). In this way, He set the stage for the creation of the Constitution.

After the Revolutionary war, it became obvious that a new type of government was necessary. The colonies sent delegates to Philadelphia to solve the problem. The men who met that summer were very different. They had very different backgrounds, interests and ideas. Sometimes the arguments were intense. There were several times when it seemed like they would fail. But somehow, despite their different backgrounds, ideas and feelings, they managed to write the Constitution. The fact that men who were so different could come together and agree is evidence that Heavenly Father was helping and guiding them. The first president of our Country, George Washington, said, “No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the affairs of men, more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency.” George Washington acknowledged and was thankful for the help Heavenly Father gave in establishing the United States and the Constitution.

Why is it important to understand and believe that our Constitution is inspired of God? Why does it matter to us where it came from? It matters for this reason: if we believe that the Constitution is inspired, then we believe that the rights and privileges contained are given to us by God. And if we believe they are given to us by God, we understand the importance in not giving up those rights and privileges to those who would try to persuade us that there is a better way. We already have the best way. We know that the Constitution comes from God. We know that it is the best form of government. It would follow, then, that it deserves our loyalty, support, and protection.

Sources:
George Washington, First Inaugural Address, April 30, 1789

Published July 10, 2016

Why do we need government?

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We need government because people are not perfect. Because they are not perfect they do things that affect the freedoms and safety of those around them. Some people choose to physically harm others or to infringe upon their God given rights. Some people refuse to respect the property of those around them. Some people refuse to honor commitments. Well meaning people have disagreements that they are unable to resolve themselves. For these and other reasons government is needed.

We have government to create and enforce laws that protect individuals from those who would do them harm or who would infringe upon their rights. Without such laws and a government to enforce them no one would be safe. People would be deprived of their basic rights such as freedom of speech and religion. The weak would be at the mercy of the strong. Conflicts between individuals would be resolved through violence. People would have to constantly be armed and ready to defend themselves. Peace would be impossible.

We need government to protect individual property. Without government and laws to protect property people would spend the bulk of their time defending it from others. Your property would be yours only until someone stronger took it from you. There would be no incentive to work or produce anything that couldn’t be used immediately because it would just have to be defended or given up.

The economy depends on people honoring the contracts they make with others. Businesses can only operate if they know others will honor the contracts they have with them. Because some people are dishonest and refuse to honor their commitments there needs to be a mechanism to enforce contracts. This mechanism is provided by government through laws and courts.

Even well-meaning peaceful individuals will have disagreements they can’t resolve themselves. There needs to be a peaceful means of resolving such disagreements without resorting to violence. Government provides the means. Through laws and courts such disagreements can be resolved and enforced peacefully.

In short, we need government to protect us as individuals, to insure our God given rights, to protect our property, to enforce commitments, and to provide a peaceful means of resolving disagreements. For these reasons and others government and law are needed. For, as stated in the Doctrine and Covenants, without law “peace and harmony would be supplanted by anarchy and terror.”

Published August 24, 2016

What is the proper role of government?

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The proper role of government is to prevent people from injuring or destroying the peace of others. Specifically it is to protect its citizens from those who would try to limit, or take away, their right to life, liberty and property.

A proper government is set up by the people and receives its powers from the people that it governs. When set up correctly, a good government will be staffed and run by the very people that it governs. Thus, the people govern themselves.

A proper government keeps people from causing bodily harm to one another. It protects life. This seems obvious in this century, but life hasn’t always been protected like it should. A proper government has laws set in place, with a punishment affixed for those who would injure or kill another person. When the law is broken, the perpetrator is brought to trial and if found guilty will pay the penalty for his or her actions.

A proper government protects the liberty of its citizens, not only from each other, but from the government itself. A government that is set up correctly will deny the liberty of a citizen only if he/she is trying to take life, liberty or property from a fellow citizen. A government should not be involved in the day to day affairs of its citizens. It should only be there as a recourse for those citizens who have been injured by another. In all other matters people should be free to choose how they will live their lives.

Lastly, a proper government should protect the property of its citizens. It should protect their property if another citizen tries to take it and should protect it from being seized by the government. In order for citizens to prosper, they need to be free to work at whatever profession they desire, with the knowledge that the earnings they make will be theirs. Government should not force a citizen to give up their earnings to support others or to support a cause in which they do not believe. Citizens should be allowed the freedom to donate their money to the charities and organizations they desire.

When government is set up in such a fashion that it protects life, liberty, and property and allows citizens to govern themselves, then society will be peaceful and secure and the citizens can prosper and be happy.

Published August 24, 2016

Where does government get its power?

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Where does government get its power?

God gave to each person his moral agency or freedom of choice. That agency allows each person to choose for themselves how they will live their lives. The ability to choose is an essential part of God’s plan for His children. When the ability to choose is taken from a person they are limited in their ability to progress.

God also granted to each person certain rights that are necessary to the use of their agency. As stated in The Declaration of Independence, we have the God given right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. The Bill of Rights lists other God given rights such as freedom of religion and freedom of speech. We also have the right to own and control property.

As we learned in the answer to a previous question “Why do we need government”, some people refuse to respect the agency and rights of others. They try to harm others. For this reason government is needed. But where does government gets its power?

To learn where government gets it power consider how the government defends individuals against harm. God grants to each person the right of self defense. We are justified in defending ourselves, our families, our property, and our rights from those who would do us harm. If there were no government then we would spend most of our time defending ourselves and there would be little time for much else. We might also be unable to defend ourselves against individuals more powerful than we are. People can form a government to provide them with the defense they need to be able to live their lives as they desire. Rather than each person defending themselves the government protects them. In forming a government they each grant to it their God-given right to self defense. The government’s power to defend individuals is nothing more than the collective right of self defense that belongs to the people individually.

So it is with all other legitimate powers of government. Since government is created by the people, with powers granted by the people, it can only have those powers the people themselves posses and have willing granted to the government. So all legitimate government power comes from the people themselves. That is why the Constitution begins with the words “We the People.”

Published August 24, 2016

What type of government do we have?

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When asked what type of government we have, most Americans would reply that we have a democracy. Others would say that we have a democratic republic. And there would be some who would say that we live in a republic. Many would argue that there is little difference between a democracy and a republic and that it really doesn’t matter what we call our form of government.

There actually are important differences between a republic and a democracy. They operate differently and bring about very different results. A republic is a government based on the rule of law. A democracy is a government based on the rule of men.

In a republic there are laws, based on sound principles, that everyone is required to obey. Those laws can only be changed through a deliberate and time consuming process. The citizens and the elected leaders are treated equally under the law. The laws protect the rights of all citizens especially those belonging to minorities.

In a democracy the laws are established by the will of the people by majority vote. The laws can be changed easily by a simple majority vote with no deliberation or thought. Everyone is expected to obey the law but the majority can always change laws they don’t like. The rights of minorities are not protected since the majority always has its way.

In the United States we vote to elect our leaders and some believe that this right to vote makes our government a democracy. However, in voting we are not making laws but rather choosing representatives who make the laws for us. Our representatives make laws by going through a deliberate and slow process, with many checks and balances, that helps to insure that our laws are sound and that the rights of all citizens are protected.

The United States is a republic and each state has a republican form of government. We are ruled by law and not by the whims of the majority. Everyone is equal before the law and the rights of all are protected.

Published August 24, 2016