Law, and "the Supreme Law of the Land"

Law is where the government tells the people what to do. The Constitution is where We the People tell the government what to do! There is nothing in the Constitution that tells people what to do, with one exception: If you win an election you are required to swear an oath,“to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

The Constitution is the "supreme Law of the Land" because it says so. The Declaration of Independence is the intent of law. Together -- the law and intent of law -- form The Law.

The other momentous part of the Constitution is its incredibly important Bill of Rights--the first ten amendments that tell the government what it can not do to the people! The First Amendment, starting with, "Congress shall make no law ..." delineates the precious five freedoms of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly and Petition. And oh, if only there were one that absolutely prohibited the federal government from doing anything not authorized by the Constitution.

There is--the tenth amendment: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Federal powers not stated are not authorized.

Together, these two make the states and their citizens sovereign--superior to, chief or greatest, supreme in authority, rank or power over the federal government. Can the people keep it that way? Does this explain in any way why the Freedom Documents are so de-emphasized, marginalized, and just plain not taught, mentioned, celebrated , honored or otherwise revealed?

No piece of paper with writing on it protects rights or freedoms. No good idea enforces obligation. And no good intention compels responsibility. Ink on paper provides a record, and a means to communicate and preserve that record. The force behind it is the people who understand, resolve and "solemnly publish and declare" that certain things are so and will remain so. Freedoms are maintained solely by "We the People." Do your part.

-- from TOTAL Power of ONE in America, Ch 17, Discovering the Freedom Documents, by Fred Holden