A Key Tool for Citizens: The Constitution

"We have the oldest written constitution still in force in the world, 

and it starts out with three words, 'We, the people.' "

~ Ruth Bader Ginsburg

In a prior post, I talked about how our current times actually are offering us a training in the mechanics of democracy ... so that we can be empowered in our actions as citizens! (See: Our Times Are Training Us in Democracy.)

KEY ACTION: In this post, I'll talk about a key way for us to embrace that training: by reviewing and being conversant in our country's founding document — The Constitution including its Bill of Rights. We can also encourage the same in friends and children. Perhaps have a gathering where folks quiz each other and discuss its details, its history, and its application today. 

Why the U.S. Constitution is So Important and Powerful
The U.S. Constitution, this critical document, is our founders’ design to support democracy and avoid dictatorship.  Its key elements are there to help us exactly in times like these. Understanding this tool is mission critical for protecting our democracy. 

All federal and state legislators, officers, and judges are required to take oaths or affirmations to support the Constitution. They can be held accountable to this. Everything in our laws is supposed to be trued to this document. This is the core structure of our democracy.

So I invite you to read or remind yourself what is in there, and encourage others to do the same. I find it thrilling to see what is already covered there and available for us to use in our stand for democracy and greater sanity.

Our Times Are Training Us In Democracy

As in permaculture, the problems can point us to the solutions.

In a prior post, I talked about how our current times are challenging us (and inviting us) to stand up for democracy (We’re Being Challenged to Stand Up for Democracy).  

I invite you to read that piece first, to be inspired by how critical democracy is to protect us from the horrors of dictatorship.

Today's crises are teaching us about democracy
In this post, I'll talk about an essential related point: that the events we're experiencing right now are actually teaching us all about the specifics of democracy ... why it's so important, what its key structures are, and why our ongoing participation is needed for it to survive and thrive. It’s training us to be better citizens!

Each time we see challenges to the freedom of our press, the separation of church and state, or the balance of powers between the branches of government ... we have a chance to see why those principles are not just niceties but specific elements created to help democracy function and remain.

Which helps us reclaim democracy's tools

We’re Being Challenged to Stand Up for Democracy

Each of us is needed. Ask yourself, "What can I do to support democracy today?"

Right now, in today’s daily threats to our democracy, there is the potential of a silver lining, if enough of us embrace it. Because these events are serving as a wake-up call and reminder that ... if we want the freedom and opportunities of democracy ... then we need to see them, value them, and act to protect them. Especially now, when the very core of democracy is at risk.

Why Democracy Matters in Our Everyday Lives
Too often, if people are taught about democracy at all in this country … perhaps in a Civics class (how common are those now?) … it is likely in the voice of the Passive Past. "This Important Person did this on this date; memorize it for the test." The information is presented as if it were preordained that this Important Person would do such things. As if all that mattered was memorizing it. As if it had nothing to do with what we might experience and do today.

But people who've experienced dictatorship see democracy quite differently ... as a living breathing rescue from tyranny of the mind, body, life, and livelihood. They know what it means when you don't have rights over your own body and life, over what happens in your community. They know the death, horror, and despair that predictably follows.

However, too often in this country we citizens are disconnected from this visceral threat of dictatorship, and instead allow passivity and cynicism to rule our relationship to our government. We see our government as "them," some thing out there … without noticing that we need some kind of structure to manage our culture's shared needs, and this was created to give us a voice in that function. It is a protection for us against decisions being made without our rights being respected.

An Inspiring Documentary for Reclaiming Democracy

It can be overwhelming to see the political pirates trying to overtake our democracy today.  One lovely prescription I have for that malady is to watch the one hour documentary, Bringing Down a Dictator.  

I encourage you to take a dose of this medicine for yourself ... and share it with others in your circle. It also would make a great movie night for a group, with discussion!

The true story in this documentary can open up our perception of what is possible, and how to succeed at reclaiming our democracy.