The U.S. Constitution of 1787 (ratified in 1789) has been the subject of much debate in recent years. Thanks to careless media reports this period in American History is often woefully misunderstood. Since unemotional and careful searching for truth are part of the Christian calling (Proverbs 2:1-9), this review might aid our careful deliberations as this election season unfolds.
Some Christians maintain that “America was founded as a Christian country” implying that we got in trouble in the late 1700s and a bunch of devout Christians stepped in to save the day. This does not square with the facts – war, politics, protests, rebellions and an air of desperate crisis helped create the new Republic as much as anything.
1776 – Declaration of Independence, “we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men…are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.” A wonderful statement that stands the test of time yet its author, Thomas Jefferson, later issued an “American Bible” with all Jesus’ miracles cut out. Only one minister – the Rev. John Witherspoon – signed in 1776.
1777 – War rages. Very weak Articles of Confederation drawn up in Philadelphia – the first constitution.
1783 – Treaty of Paris ends the Revolutionary War. America recognized as a sovereign nation with border at the Mississippi. Congress not allowed to tax or raise armies.
1786 – Unpaid veterans and indebted farmers almost overthrow the Government of Massachussets. Bickering over colonial boundaries, war debts, river navigation, etc.
1787 – James Madison (Virginia) and Alexander Hamilton (New York) urge a Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia to revise the weak Articles of Confederation.
1789 – New Constitution approved creating a federal republic. First Amendment states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” No one church was to dominate, as in England (Anglican), France (Catholic), Scotland (Presbyterian), etc. Article VI, Para 3 adds that ”no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office …”
1794 – Hamilton’s Whiskey Tax provokes the Whiskey Rebellion. Washington leads 13,000 troops into western Pennsylvania. A strong federal government asserts its power.
The living Constitution – famous cases: The Thirteenth Amendment (1865) – “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall exist within the United States.” Amendment Eighteen (1919) says “the manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors…is hereby prohibited.” Amendment XXI (1933), “The Eighteenth Amendment is hereby repealed.”