Wednesday, September 23, 2009

220 yrs of txt



(From CBS2School)

Our Founders delivered an amazing text to the citizens 220 years ago last week, and we need you to forward it on.

The U.S. Constitution was ratified 220 years ago on Sept. 17 making the United States the world’s longest lasting constitutional democracy.

Its fundamental elements still shape our daily political lives as separation of powers and checks and balances split power within our central government. Federalism still divides the functions of central and regional governments.

The original text was not infallible as it perpetuated the slave trade and allowed the institution of slavery to expand. In fact, the document has been amended 27 times to adjust the scope of government.

220 years later, the Constitution and its Bill of Rights still represent the nature of American politics in which government is empowered by the people but with limited impact in our personal lives.

In honor of national Constitution week, we’re asking you to review this text and pass it on in the form of a txt message from “we the ppl.”

6 comments:

Janesh said...

I think it's really awesome that we as a country, have such a great document as part of our history. Not only is it cool to get to celebrate this event every year, we are looked upon by other countries as a symbol of freedom. Our Constitution has set a precedent for other nations who want to achieve democracy, and also basic rules of life that have become so natural for us.

Ryan P said...

What amazes me the most about our constitution is that it is still the shortest constitution in the world today. After 200 years of political, social and cultural change around the world, the united states has only amended this document 27 times. That is a pretty startling fact when looking at other countries who have been struggling over the years trying to find a framework for stability that America has already constructed.

ishmeesh said...

In 220 years, a great deal about our world has changed. I'm impressed by America's ability to maintain fundamental core values that keep us as a strong nation. I'm excited to see how The Constitution is interpreted in a future of constant culture changes.

Sai said...

In my opinion I believe that the United States constitution is one of the greatest documents of all time. It instills a set of values, as Isha said, and a way of life for the American people and it is amazing that this country has stood by it for so long and that we continue to abide by what our founding fathers wrote about 200 years ago.

Tina said...

I too, am proud of our nation's constitution and its ideals. I think the founding fathers really worked to make sure that the document was one that would translate to future generations and give hope to its people.

1018400 said...

As time passes and new technology comes into play that changes the way Americans live, I think that the Constitution should be flexible and experience change.