COLUMN: Remembering the signing of the Constitution.
America had the opportunity Monday to commemorate a miracle that occurred 220 years ago: the signing of the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution was born in a time of trouble and turmoil. The Articles of Confederation had proven ineffective, and as a result, the nation was in disarray. Riots were breaking out throughout the states. The economy was dire, and inflation was rampant. Britain, Spain and France stood by, ready to carve the new nation up among them.
In order to solve the problems with the nation’s government, the states sent some of their greatest, most experienced leaders. Among these great men were Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and George Washington.
The delegates had originally met to repair the Articles of Confederation. However, it became clear that the Articles of Confederation needed to be abandoned in favor of a new form of government. The delegates realized it was up to them to decide how to form such a government. These men had differing view points and represented states whose interests were often in conflict. Debates were often heated, and there were times when it appeared that the convention would simply fall apart.
Finally, after four months of discussion and compromise, the new Constitution had been approved by the delegates. It was signed Sept. 17, 1787.
After the ratification of the Constitution, the Articles of Confederation were merely set aside, and the Constitution began to take effect. There was no blood spilt at this change of government. America had proven to the world that government did not need to be created by accident or force, but could be created by reason.
The Constitution ensured that the candle lit by the Declaration of Independence would continue to shine. The Framers knew what they were doing would not only benefit themselves, but their posterity for generations to come. They hoped the example of America would serve as a beacon for the people of the earth.
The Founders created a foundation that was to endure for more than 200 years. Now, its life is in our hands. If it is to endure as a standard for our posterity and for all of mankind, it must be preserved. The principles of the Constitution are just as vital today as they were two centuries ago. It is up to us to become educated about the Constitution in the tradition of the Framers. We must seek to uphold leaders of integrity and vision, who also understand these principles and who are willing to put their country before politics and parties.
At the close of the Constitutional Convention, the wise Franklin remarked, “In the midst of my hopes and fears for this convention, I’ve often looked at the sun on the president’s chair without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting. But now at length I have the happiness to know that it is a rising, and not a setting sun.”
We need to be diligent to ensure that we can continue in the sunlight of the freedom protected by the Constitution.
Colby Lyons is a senior majoring in law and constitutional studies. Questions and comments can be sent to him at c.lyons@aggiemail.usu.edu.