by Gary O'Neill

Created on: November 28, 2008

The Constitution of the United States from its adoption by the Constitutional Convention in 1787 was unique among the nations of the world, and remains so today. The Constitution sets forth the agreement between We the People' and the government which we empower to regulate the affairs of our country. Those that signed the Constitution and submitted it to the states for approval wrote in its Preamble that the Constitution was created ...in order to form a more perfect union...' The Constitution clearly declares in Article Six "This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land;" There is no doubt that the Constitution was meant to be the ultimate governing standard for the country, and not subject to any other power. In that sense, the Constitution is considered to be right.'

The drafters of the Constitution reached agreement on its Articles and provisions after extended discussion, debate and thought, using the most powerful writings of the day as well as traditions of Western Civilization as their guides. They strived to create the most comprehensive and enduring framework of ideas, as it was to be the foundation for all else that followed. But they also knew that it was not perfect, nor was their collective judgement, so they provided the means for the Constitution to be changed through formal Amendments. The Bill of Rights, created just 2 years after the Constitution, is the primary example of the need for change or amplification of the Constitution's original articles. Since the Bill of Rights, the Constitution has been amended only 17 additional times, for increasingly specific purposes, such as the transition of power in the case of the inability of the President to carry out his responsibilities.

The Constitution still serves its purpose as the supreme law of the land. The Supreme Court, among its other duties, hears cases that seek to compare other laws or court decisions to the Constitution to judge their validity. In our time, this role of the Supreme Court has become contentious, as laws which seek to regulate our lives, or actions by other courts appear to clash with the intent and purpose of the Constitution-at least in the opinion of one side in the case. The arguments before the Supreme Court do not assert that the Constitution is wrong'-they assert that the laws or other decisions do not meet the intent of the Constitution. Again, the Constitution is considered to be right' and the standard for comparison.

The Constitution has served this nation for over 200 years, guiding our country through prosperity and crisis. It has proven to be durable and flexible. It is able to strike the balance between lasting values that sustain our society and modifying those values to achieve even greater equality and justice. In that sense, it is right' and appropriate for our country.

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