Our constitution is the most important document protecting civil rights. Our founding fathers ensured that the ideals of freedom of the people having inalienable civil rights in the United States of America. We are a country that prizes integrity. A strong sense of national integrity that is designed to ensure our government is peopled by those that honor ethical and moral standards through the voting process. I consider myself an independent thinker that values the importance of protecting the civil liberties laid out for all Citizens of the United States of America as declared in our governing document the Constitution. Our constitution lays out clear rights, such as freedom of speech, to ensure the people are not overruled by an over powerful large government. We are a country, “Of The People, For The People,” yet this does not guarantee just or impartial laws. Government, while created and run by man, is an entity with the force of a machine once it is in place. Therefore it is the duty of those with integrity that must take a stand. When our legal recourses fail us, one must turn to acts of nonviolent civil disobedience in the face of an immoral or unjust law. …show more content…
We are not part of the solution and become part of the problem when we comply with such laws or remain silent. This is clear in one of the most stirring pieces of writing regarding the need for all citizens to act by Dr. King. It is our patriotic duty to uphold the rights due to all citizens as laid out clearly in our constitution. We have freedom of speech and the right to lawful assembly. There are have been many times these rights were disregarded by our acting government. That is when we are called to act in the ethical and moral protest of such disregard for our inalienable
Back in olden times there was a war about the united states but did you know that it took away to write to constitution and to ratify it. The U.S constitution was to help the country agree on things and stay happy without wars. Ratify means to be approved. Yes the constitution should be ratified because of the bill rights, separation of power and talking about the bill of rights. I think this for these reasons.
Martin Luther King Jr once stated, “One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.” in his Letter from Birmingham Jail in 1963. He was invoking the principle of civil disobedience. He wasn't justifying breaking laws just because, but instead, meant that you break the law and accept your punishment, in hopes that people will come to see that the law is unethical. Civil disobedience plays an important role in how our society has been shaped up until this point.
Us federalists believe that the Constitution is fine as is. The constitution does not need a Bill of Rights that will only limit the rights of people rather than protect them. We believe the constitution is required in order to safeguard the liberty and independence that the American Revolution gave us. Many influential figures also take our side in this situation such as George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, as well as James Madison. To go along with many of this nation’s leader supporting our point of view there are also many others that feel the same way.
If a law is unjust, it is our duty as a people to rebel for the greater good of the community. Martin Luther King Jr.
In this week's reading, the structure of the Constitution was prominent in the United States, for Americans to pledge for their rights and freedom. The construction of the Constitution involves many of the founding fathers who worked together in creating a fair system for the entire country. In creating a fair system, it was important to establish the Bill of Rights which would limit government power. Many founders disagree with each other that a Bill of Rights was not necessary because the Constitution limited government power and not people. Eventually, written by James Madison the first ten amendments would protect individuals and prohibit specific government power.
The Importance of the 1st Amendment In 1787 our founding fathers assembled the constitution of the United States of America. Of this which contains the most important document to the American citizen, the Bill of rights. The first Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances” These freedoms granted by the Bill of Rights are often known as freedom of expression. These rights are most important to a truly free society. The first amendment provides us with new ideas and dismisses the fear of punishment
Therefore this explains the importance of challenging unjust laws to keep government on a small scale by civilians acting as the counter force to balance authority and prevent corruption. Dr. King also supports this when he describes two types of laws that determine when civil disobedience is needed and a responsibility. He advocates, “one has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws” and “a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws” (King 2). Similar to Antigone she tells Creon about her defying acts, her moral duty and how the “final justice that rules the world below makes no such law” against morals that need to be refuted (Antigone 10). Dr. King and Sophocles both advocate the moral responsibility of
The Constitution of the united states of America means to me my rights as an American citizen. The constitution makes me feel safe from the government because it protects my rights. It lets me know the government power over the people, and the laws they can make and the laws they can not make. The Constitution ensures my freedom as an American. It is a very important document for the United States of American for the president to follow.
The Constitution—the foundation of the American government—has been quintessential for the lives of the American people for over 200 years. Without this document America today would not have basic human rights, such as those stated in the Bill of Rights, which includes freedom of speech and religion. To some, the Constitution was an embodiment of the American Revolution, yet others believe that it was a betrayal of the Revolution. I personally believe that the Constitution did betray the Revolution because it did not live up to the ideals of the Revolution, and the views of the Anti-Federalists most closely embodied the “Spirit of ‘76.” During the midst of the American Revolution, authors and politicians of important documents, pamphlets, and slogans spread the basis for Revolutionary ideals and defined what is known as the “Spirit of ‘76”.
“The purpose of the United States Constitution is to limit the power of the federal government not the American people.” – The Federalist Papers. Our government is not the exact same way it was from the very beginning of its creation. It has changed dramatically over the course of about two-hundred years, as said in the video, “The Constitution must change for challenges in the future.” Truthfully, it has been changed and adapted to meet the ever changing needs of our society.
Today we are all called to enact on our own civil disobedience when we are faced with injustice and unfair laws, we are called to make a stand and a declaration to stand up for what we believe
Intolerance to injustice stands as a key component of American identity. If authority upholds just action, ethical progress can be made. This progress includes authority’s principled decision making and respect for its citizens. Progress is forward or onward movement toward a destination of nationwide justice. An individual’s civil disobedience to unjust authority promotes positive progress within America.
The Constitution of the United States was formed 223 years ago. Since 1787, a lot has changed. We grew as a country, technology advanced, and we elected 43 different presidents. One of witch, being the first African-American President in history. Due to its age, some may argue that the Constitution is irrelevant to today’s problems.
As kids people get taught what is wrong and right from a parental figure or experiences of life teach us how to react to different situations. When we finally turn adults no one is there to remind us of what’s good and what's bad so we have to use our past experiences and our knowledge to help guide us. Each adult shapes their societies for their generation and many more generations to come. Mohandas k. Gandhi and Susan B Anthony’s speech along with the article Selma to Montgomery March on history show that civil disobedience is a moral responsibility.
Injustices, tragedies, and unfortunate circumstances have plagued humankind for all of existence. Many of these problems have arisen from the society of man, and could not be found in nature. The hatred, selfishness, prejudice, and maliciousness seen in so many injustices man created unnecessarily, as well as all the suffering it causes does not need to exist. If an individual witnesses a crime or injustice occurring, it is their responsibility to defend the weak and fight for whatever is morally right, even at the cost of themselves.