The Constitution: A Partisan Document?
Does the way the Constitution is written favor one party more than another?
By Sophia Cappawana
The United States Constitution was written before either of the two modern political parties were formed. Yet somehow, today’s average Republican tends to favor the Constitution slightly more than today’s average Democrat. But is the Constitution really partisan?
Stated Intent
The first sentence in the preamble declares “We the People.” Not “We the Republicans” or “We the Democrats,” but all Americans. The preamble provides the key objectives of the Constitution and what the government should work to do. From forming a more perfect union, to ensuring domestic tranquility and promoting the general welfare, the preamble provides the basic principles of the Constitution and government.
What Gets Quoted the Most: The Amendments
The Amendments of the Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights, get quoted significantly more often than the body of the constitution, known as the articles. The articles of the Constitution, which specify the outline of the federal government, are not quoted nearly as much as their amendments by either political party.
But are the amendments really partisan? No, and the founders would say the same.
The amendments protect free speech and assembly, one’s right to bear arms, against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the right to a speedy and public trial. While these are not all of the twenty-seven amendments, these represent the range of protections provided for citizens. The general idea of the Constitution is just that. Keeping the federal government in its place.
Common Assumption
A common assumption about the constitutional amendments is that they limit the government. In one sense, that is true. The federal government must allow freedom of speech and religion; it cannot make laws against those rights. This inherently limits the government, but in the interest of the citizens. The amendments allow for a two-way street between the federal government and the citizens where, when followed appropriately, both entities benefit. The federal government, specifically the legislature, passes laws according to the Constitution. They not only follow the Constitution but enhance the country and make citizens’ lives better.
Is the Constitution Really Partisan?
No, the Constitution is not partisan. It lays out the foundation for the United States regardless of one’s political party. If the major political parties in the United States were to change abruptly, the Constitution would likely stay the exact same: not favoring one over the other. The Constitution protects all citizens of the United States in the same way regardless of their political party. The Constitution provides the framework for how the federal government should operate, and the job of political parties is to operate within its bounds to achieve their respective goals.
About the Author
Sophia Cappawana is a junior at Grove City College majoring in Political Science. Sophia, as a seventh-generation resident of Duncannon, PA, was elected to Duncannon Borough Council after serving six years as a junior council member. She serves on the Finance, Administration, and IT committee as well as the Revitalization and Public Safety committee.
Sophia participates in the Spanish Club at Grove City College and serves as a TA for Dr. April Knupp. Her hobbies include reading and following Hershey Bears hockey. She has taken multiple Political Science classes and enjoyed taking Political Philosophy and the Christian Intellectual Tradition, Faith and Public Life, and The American Presidency.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer alone and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grove City College, the Institute for Faith and Freedom, or their affiliates.
Cover Image: Photo by Anthony Garand on Unsplash (Cropped)