Imagine a government where power - rather than being passed down from father to son or seized by military force - is peacefully and dutifully shared by the people themselves. Imagine a government that is logically and rationally devised by some of the most intelligent and imaginative human beings in history. Imagine a government so revolutionary that it would sweep the entire face of the planet and topple regimes that had lasted thousands of years. Imagine a government by the people, for the people, and of the people.

Now imagine selling that government to the highest bidder.

The American government, as envisaged by the Founding Fathers and enshrined in the Constitution, was and is a remarkable thing. Designed to be adaptable, accountable, and accessible, it represented an entirely new and radical way of thinking. The notion of individual rights, of freedoms protected by law, of a supreme law that superseded any mere person, no matter his or her rank... this was the stuff of revolutions and of genius. In marked contrast to the empires and kingdoms of the Old World, this government would hold power only with the consent of the governed. Its leaders would truly represent its people.

This is the birthright the Founding Fathers bequeathed to us. Most of us learn in high school about the Bill of Rights, at least a rudimentary review. What is rarely taught, however, is the unwritten "Bill of Duties" that responsible democracy calls for, and cannot exist without. Consider this - in a government by, for, and of the people, who is in charge? Who is responsible for the actions that government takes? Who is responsible for the course the country chooses?

You. Me. Each and every one of us. WE are the American leaders, and it is our responsibility to do what it takes to fulfill that role. We must educate ourselves about politics, locally, nationally, and internationally. We must concern ourselves with the welfare of our fellow Americans. We must vote, every time. We must be aware of our Constitution, and above all else we must be aware of what our elected representatives are doing to it.

It is easy to abandon the Constitution to political agendas. It is easy to "outsource" the job of understanding the Constitution to lawers and career politicians. It is easy to give up and let others vote for us.

It is easy to do the wrong thing.

But it is also within our grasp to do the right thing. The greatness of Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and Franklin is within reach. Be the government you want this country to have. That is your right...

... and your duty.

Learn more about this author, Timothy Ellis.
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