We have just finished celebrating Independence day. It is a recognition of the ideas on paper and the sacrifices on the battlefield that created the United States and the story of how it came to be. From the complaint of taxation without representation, to the Battle of Lexington and Concord. From the Declaration of Independence, to the final Battle of Yorktown. These events are crucial to United States History and to how we are today as a nation.
Yet these events do not stand by themselves. While the ideas are important, the structure of the United States ultimately agreed to is not one of perpetual revolution. The founders of this country ultimately had to turn to creating and implementing a supported government that would “…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…”. This was the next step in securing the American Revolution. (Constitution of The United States, Preamble)
The Framers first attempt at this failed to resolve a number of problems and posed new ones. James Madison describes specifically the problems created by the Articles of Confederation. The war had left the country in debt and the congress could not gain enough power from the states to raise the money necessary to pay it. Also there was no prevailing policy regarding trade and one of the results of this was relationship of competition between the states that were dangerous to the country as a whole. Problems regarding a lack of cohesive foreign policy also arose; the authority of the Articles was ignored in the violation of treaties of all kinds. Problems arose related to the creation and recognition of each state’s currency. (James Madison: Preface in the Convention of 1787, Paragraphs 11-15)
The effort was then made to create a government that would resolve these issues, protect liberty, rule of law and the public interest. The full notes on the debates can be found here. Generally speaking, a government was made after key compromises, with three branches of government. Each branch would have their own enumerated powers. The structure of the constitution would also give each branch the ability to check the other in numerous ways. This was done out of fear of any one group or person consolidating excessive power. The ratification of the Constitution of the United State was completed June 21, 1788. (Federalist 10)
This is extremely important, just as important as American Independence, because it allowed the United States to keep and maintain that independence through stable but malleable government. The core government created has withstood the extreme tests of war and turmoil of numerous kinds and has stood the test of time. As we have completed the celebration of American Independence let us also remember and be aware that the revolution continues through that Constitution and through continued reform and efforts under it while maintaining its character. A “republic…if you can keep it”–Benjamin Franklin.