By Haley Knight |
Editor in chief
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
These famous words have shaped our nation to become one of the greats. Our forefathers aimed to appease those who wish for a stronger federal government and those who sought more freedom at the state level.
There are eight articles that establish how the United States should prosper with a balance among the state and federal governments; however, something was missing.
A government was established, but what of the rights of our people?
The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution to ensure what many thought were “universal” rights.
Many may argue, but the most important addition is the first amendment. It confirms freedom of speech, the press, assembly, the right to petition the government and religion.
Freedom of speech is often debated but at its core it gives our people the right to express themselves without the worry of government persecution. A few examples would be the Civil Rights movement, the LGBTQ+ movement and Women’s Rights movement.
This nation has transformed because people have the freedom to express their grievances and demand justice from those in power.
The Constitution gave our government structure, but it is the Bill of Rights—specifically the First Amendment—that gave our people their freedom.
Contact Haley Knight at hknight@augusta.edu.
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