We the People…

There are no more powerful three words in the English language than “We the People.” They were revolutionary in the 18th century, and I dare say, they continue to maintain that revolutionary meaning and power. This was not a throw away phrase. It was a statement that was at the core of the American Revolution and the framing of the US Constitution. They are not found just in the preamble to the Constitution, but are sprinkled throughout the document. And when anti-Federalists were not satisfied that the people were protected enough, they pushed for a Bill of Rights that would provide another layer of defense against tyrannical government. In the Bill of Rights we find the “people” in the first, second, fourth, ninth, and tenth amendments. In all these places, the phrase “the people” gestured back to the Constitution’s first and most prominent use of these words in the Preamble.

If you doubt the power of these revolutionary words, just browse through history and you will find their power and their meaning. Political leaders rarely lead, but respond to the overwhelming passions and needs of the citizens. The abolitionists, a national conglomeration of church and civic minded groups, began the movement to abolish slavery. The women at Seneca Falls brought to light the hypocrisy of American democracy and the use of the term “people.” Labor, populists, and progressives pushed our government to be more inclusive and fair when it came to economic issues and political liberty. Ministers in the black churches led the civil rights movement that would be for a long time, opposed by the majority of those found in government. These are just a few of the examples of where the “people” have exercised their sovereign rights and have changed history for the good.

It is the goal and the mission of the California – We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution and Project Citizen programs to develop and support teachers and students in the acquisition of knowledge, the tools, and the attitudes that will lead to strengthening our democratic institutions. It has been a privilege to participate as a teacher, a mentor, an institute director, and now, State Coordinator for the California – We the People programs. We are committed to expanding civic education and the We the People programs to every school, public or private, within the great state of California. If there is anyway that we can assist your class, your school, or your community in developing a vibrant, focused, and intense civic education program, please contact me at cawtp35@yahoo.com. Now, please check out our website and see how it can help you, help us, strengthen civic education and democratic government in California.

– David Richmond, State Coordinator