How to Promote Respect for the Constitution & the Law

The supreme law of the land

The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land and supersedes or trumps all others. The Constitution prescribes the structure and form of our government, the powers of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government, and the rights of citizens. Respect for our Constitution and laws are essential to a properly functioning society, and such respect should be promoted in all areas of society. Here's how.

Instructions

1. Teach respect for the Constitution and laws in schools and civic organizations beginning at an early age. Children should be taught about the American Revolution, the founding fathers and the principles of freedom for which they fought. The fight for freedom during World Wars I and II should also be taught in our schools and by civic organizations. Practices such as reciting the pledge of allegiance and singing the national anthem before events help to reinforce respect for our Constitution and laws.

2. Enforce the Constitution and laws of our country evenhandedly and fairly. Virtually every period of social upheaval and political unrest during the life of the United States has been caused by the failure or refusal to enforce our Constitution and laws evenhandedly and fairly. The revolutionary war was caused by British imposition of taxation on the American colonies without affording them an opportunity even for partial self government; the American Revolution was fought over the enslavement of Africans; and the civil rights movement was a fight against racial segregation and discrimination against black Americans. The first of these events resulted in the drafting and adoption of the Constitution and the formation of the United States of America. The latter two events were major tests of the strength of our Constitution and the enduring principles of freedom upon which it is based. Fortunately, our Constitution and laws ultimately passed those tests.

3. Prosecute violations of the Constitution and laws vigorously against perpetrators, including those in positions of power. Due to limited resources, it is impossible to prosecute every crime committed. As a result, prosecutorial discretion must be exercised in deciding which crimes to prosecute. Such discretion should be exercised to prosecute those crimes that most threaten the fabric of our society, especially violent crimes and political corruption. Prosecution of violent crimes serves as a deterrent, and prosecution of corrupt politicians reinforces to the populace that no one, no matter how powerful, is above the law.

4. Use national holidays such as the 4th of July, Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Presidents Day to reinforce the notions of respect for our Constitution and laws. July 4 presents an opportunity to educate the populace concerning the Revolutionary War and the principles upon which the United States was founded; Veterans Day and Memorial Day present opportunities to honor those who have fought to defend our country and its Constitution and laws; and Presidents Day presents an opportunity to educate the populace about the role of the president and the principles of separation of powers embodied in the Constitution.

5. Take individual responsibility for teaching and reinforcing respect for the Constitution and laws because such respect is not only a state responsibility, but also the responsibility of all those who love our country and the principles of democracy and freedom on which it was founded. Individuals should vote only for candidates who have demonstrated their respect and reverence for our Constitution and laws; parents should teach their children about the Revolutionary War, the Constitution, the World Wars and other major historical events; and persons who plan public and private events should ensure that the pledge of allegiance is recited or the national anthem is sung at the beginning of each event.