Why do we need a written constitution?

We need a written constitution to protect our rights. How does the Constitution do this?

The Constitution outlines how laws are to be made. It is a slow and careful process that involves the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the President. The process helps prevent the government from making quick and unwise decisions in response to the demands of an angry majority. The process provides time for things to be considered in a thoughtful way. This prevents rash decisions that are harmful over time.

Changes to the Constitution itself can only be made through a lengthy and difficult process that is outlined in the Constitution. The process involves the House of Representatives, the Senate, and state governments. This provides the time necessary for changes to be fully discussed and considered. This also allows time for citizens to become informed and involved.

The Constitution ensures further protection by providing the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights specifically lists our basic God given rights and prohibits the government from limiting them. This protects the rights of all but is especially important to small groups because their rights are often under attack by the majority.

The Constitution divides power between the branches of the federal government and between the federal government and the states. This helps to prevent power from being concentrated in one place. When power gets concentrated in one place then the rights of everyone are at risk.

The Constitution creates a stable form of government that will not easily collapse in times of trouble, or be destroyed by small groups of people seeking power. This is important because all societies will experience challenges such as wars, depressions, riots, and natural disasters. Such events can create the perfect environment for government to fail, or someone to try to take over. We are protected from such things by the slow and deliberate manner in which our government works. It is easier to identify and stop changes that will destroy our government.

These are some of the reasons we need a written Constitution.

Published October 10, 2016