by RICH CASSIDY on SEPTEMBER 17, 2010
September 17, 2010 is Constitution Day, in celebration of the 223rd anniversary of the United States Constitution.
Around the world, the average lifespan of written national constitutions since 1789 has been just 17 years! T. Ginsburg, Z. Elkins, & J. Melton, “The Lifespan of Written Constitutions.”
The amazing success of the United States Constitution, not just in terms of its longevity, but also in terms of the individual freedom, material wealth, and richness of culture, that it has helped to foster in America is no accident. It is a tribute to the genius of the document, the wisdom of drafters, and to the adaptability of our system of government.
As President Obama said in proclaiming Constitution Day, “In the United States, our Constitution is not simply words written on aging parchment, but a foundation of government, a protector of liberties, and a guarantee that we are all free to shape our own destiny. As we celebrate this document’s profound impact on our everyday lives, may all Americans strive to uphold its vision of freedom and justice for all.”
His Proclamation is interesting reading. And the Day is worth celebrating.
But the Constitution needs more than celebrating. It is worth remembering. And it is worth protecting.
To maintain its vitality, the Constitution needs people. People who understand it and are committed to it. People who make its values real in day to day life. Lawyers have a very special role to play in making sure those values are honored, even when it may seem inconvenient to do so.
Rich