CONSTITUTION WEEK SPOTLIGHT

Today is Day Two of Constitution Week commemorating the signing of our Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787.

Our Constitution, the cornerstone of our freedoms, was written to protect every American from the abuse of power by the government. James Madison drafted the document that formed the model for the Constitution. It took four months to write, and there was a lot of disagreement among those attending the convention.

Patrick Henry, among others, was initially opposed to the Constitution. Of the 55 attending the Constitutional Convention at one time or another, only 42 were present the day it was signed. Three refused to sign because they felt it did not protect states’ rights and individual freedoms.

Benjamin Franklin, with tears streaming down his face, needed help to sign the document. George Washington and James Madison were the only future presidents to sign the Constitution. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were both serving the country overseas.

Notable Quote: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” — John Adams

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This Constitution Spotlight was provided by Lt. George Farragut Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.