MY TURN: U.S. Constitution (Sept. 17, 1787): an unlikely constellation

Our Constitution is the application of principles of liberty proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence.

It has been a model for many other countries. But note how unlikely it is that the ideals of liberty could ever take root in the soils of hierarchy.

After declaring independence, the Continental Congress created the “Articles of Confederation“ as their blueprint for governance. They emphasized the sovereignty of each state. However, they had no mechanism for a unified identity, for “checks and balances“ or for fair representation among the states.

Despite the pressing needs of the war for independence, it was over 3 1/2 years before the Articles were adopted. But the challenges of war would not wait.

A patriot victory did not seem likely. The war’s initial phases saw the Americans repeatedly defeated. Congress was doubting the competence of George Washington and was itself run out of Philadelphia by invading British forces. Many American soldiers, nearing the end of their enlistment, were planning on going home. The attitude among the colonies was turning more pessimistic.

It was the dead of winter December 1776. Despite the cold and clouds of discouragement, Washington knew it was time to make a move. He would lead a large contingent (including horses and artillery) across the Delaware river from Pennsylvania into New Jersey in the dark of night and attack the Hession allies of the British near Trenton. The logistics were daunting. Supplies and morale were low. Spies had given Washington’s plans to the Hessians.

But on Dec. 19 Thomas Paine published the first pamphlet of his series “The American Crisis": “These are the times that try men’s souls … Tyranny like hell is not easily conquered; yet … the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph … Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM would not be highly rated …”

Paine’s eloquent encouragement became a rallying energy for the soldiers and for all the colonies.

The Hessians did not believe the spy reports and had been occupied with holiday reveling.

Washington maintained the element of surprise and did secure a victory at Trenton. Then, he decided on another bold move. He would march on the British forces in Princeton.

This effort revealed more unlikely events. A young student had drawn a map of British positions. This was given to Washington while he and his troops were on the march. During the battle, when the Americans were starting to scatter, Washington rode up waving his hat, cheering on the soldiers and within 30 yards of the British lines. There was a hail of smoke and musket balls. After the smoke cleared, Washington emerged untouched.

Following the unlikely victories at Trenton and Princeton, Washington withdrew to winter quarters in Morristown, N.J. From there, the Patriots conducted successful guérilla style skirmishes.

The following winter (December to June 1777-1778) Washington quartered the army at Valley Forge, Pa. During this time, many hardships were overcome. An alliance with France was concluded. Seasoned veterans from Prussia provided new training. Washington was found in the night on his knees in the snow, in prayer regarding the welfare of his soldiers and the success of their cause.

The army emerged from these winter quarters with deepened resolve and optimism. With the war won, the Treaty of Paris (Sept. 3, 1783) established the United States as a sovereign nation of free and independent States.

Victory, however, further revealed the inadequacy of the Articles of Confederation. Internally, conflicts were becoming more destructive. Externally, the lack of cohesive identity was leading other nations to doubt the viability of this grand experiment in liberty.

At the 1786 Annapolis Convention, the need to revise the Articles became clear. In 1787, Delegates gathered in Philadelphia and met from May to September. But revision would not be enough. They decided to develop an entirely new constitution.

The long, hot summer coincided with the often heated debates. The most conflicted moments were resolved only after the delegates turned for guidance in prayer.

A lady asked Benjamin Franklin “What kind of government did you give us?“ “A republic, ma’am, if you can keep it.”

The structures of our constitutional republic emerged from a “spiritual sense“ of the intrinsic worth of each person made in God‘s image. This supported the unlikely success of our Founders’ efforts.

Notice the advice contained in John Adams’s famous line: “Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

Elections are Nov. 4. Please support our republic’s continued success by learning about the issues, the candidates’ ideas, and then voting accordingly. A spiritually grounded, educated electorate is a best defense against tyranny.

• • •

William Green is a Coeur d’Alene resident.