Anywhere, U.S.A. —September 17 is Constitution Day commemorating the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, which was written in 1787 and has become the world’s longest surviving written charter of government. Its first three words – “We The People” – affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens.
In a recent poll conducted by pollster and analyst Scott Rasmussen, host of The Scott Rasmussen Show on Merit+, 94% of Americans say the Constitution’s original ideals of freedom, equality and self-governance are worth fighting for in political and rhetorical terms.
Yet 38% of those polled believe the Constitution itself is a major source of the problems currently face by Americans today. Rasmussen explains, "Many people who view the Constitution as problematic feel the Constitution is preventing their policies from going through. If writing lots of new laws each year — and changing them after every election — was really what the country needed, the Constitution would indeed be a problem." Among those who don't think the Constitution is a major source of problems, 65% say that following it more closely would make it easier to solve the nation's problems.
The Bill of Rights is the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution. It spells out Americans’ rights in relation to their government. It guarantees civil rights and liberties to the individual—like freedom of speech, press, and religion. According to polling conducted by Scott Rasmussen’s firm RMG Research, the most important Constitutional right to voters is Freedom of Speech coming in at 87%. Rasmussen argues, "Freedom of Speech is the indispensable right." The second most important Constitutional right to voters is Freedom of Religion at 81%, while Freedom of Press and Freedom of Assembly rank third and fourth respectively, both over 70% in importance to voters.
Scott Rasmussen states, "I have long revered the Constitution and the wisdom behind it. And I am thankful that the great document includes some important constraints upon the federal government.” He goes on to say, “All Americans should be thankful that American culture remains deeply committed to our nation's founding ideals of freedom, equality and self-governance."
Sunil Isaac
