Friday, April 03, 2015

Voice of the People

By Douglas V. Gibbs

The first three words of the United States Constitution are “We the People.” The United States Constitution was written by the people, for the people, and of the people. Delegates for 12 of the original 13 States represented the people during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. During that convention, the framers of the U.S. Constitution created a bicameral congress, meaning “a congress with two houses.” The House of Representatives is the people’s house, and it is in the House of Representatives that We the People are supposed to have our voices put into action. Representatives in the U.S. Congress serve two year terms, and represent districts. Their primary focus is supposed to be what is best for their district, and their constituents, acting in a manner that best protects the sovereignty of the communities they represent. The federal government, however, is also restricted to only limited powers, expressly enumerated in the U.S. Constitution. Our representatives take an oath to protect and defend the Constitution and those limitations, ensuring the federal government does not overstep the boundaries established regarding powers granted to the federal government. For this reason, the Legislative Branch of the U.S. Government is supposed to be the strongest of the branches, designed to ensure the people are properly represented, and that the federal government is properly handling the external issues it is tasked with as is allowed by the authorizations listed in the Constitution. All legislative powers (the power to make law, modify law, and repeal law) are granted to the Congress, and it is only Congress that may act legislatively in the federal government.

Are our representatives acting in a manner consistent with the Constitution?

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

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