First published: Evening Star Washington, District of Columbia · Saturday, June 05, 1926

Oration Winning Second Place

America’s Contribution to Constitutional Government

By Myrtle Posey, Eastern High School, Washington, D.C.

Let me open for you a book—the world’s guidebook, the nations’ textbook. A musty, age-old book with well-thumbed leaves. And yet the ink of the last few pages is still fresh, and the book lies unfinished. People call it the science of government.

Through its pages I have sought the beginnings of constitutional government and democracy, and found them: first, in the city republics of ancient Greece; second, in the medieval cantons of Switzerland; third, in the England of the Middle Ages; and fourth, in the United States of America. And which of these was it that finally revolutionized the governments of the world?

Was it those tiny Grecian republics? No. They lived and died in a day. Was it those ancient Swiss cantons? No. Remote from other countries, and under conditions peculiar to themselves, they drew no attention. Was it the island of Great Britain? Yes—partly.

These three were forerunners which prepared the way for another—one which caused the greatest political upheaval of all times; which fired France to rebel; which stirred the principles of liberty and freedom in the many peoples of the world so that they never forgot; which shook old forms of government to their depths until they were finally dislodged.

“And which was this?” you ask. None other than America.

America awakened the world. Through the experience and guidance of those others, she laid the foundations of modern constitutional government. Today America has become the inspiration and guide to newer and up-struggling democracies.

America’s Solid Principles

What are those solid principles and unique features that so startled the world and make up America’s contribution to constitutional government?

1. The Written Constitution

Probably the greatest is the theory and practice of the written constitution. When our Constitution—a written contract resting upon the authority of State and people—was brought forth from that little Philadelphia meeting house, the world laughed. But scorn turned to admiration and confidence, and the written Constitution became an ideal that took Europe by storm.

Paper plans of government spread across the continent like floodwaters. When the waters receded and the nations dropped their hasty, ill-considered documents, here and there remained a constitution that stood firm. Such constitutions stand today practically as they were created.

Nations, like individuals, must learn by experience. And so years have spun their never-ending cycles, nations have fallen and risen again. Today 34 countries stand as witnesses to this principle—the theory and practice of the written constitution.

2. Federal and State Governments Combined

Another contribution that deserves special attention is the combination of Federal and State governments, successful in practice now for 150 years. These two authorities, each supreme in its own sphere, are limited and defined by one another. Each modifies the other and equalizes the distribution of power.

The nations long sought such a balance of power. Canada and Australia, though colonies of England at the time, transformed provinces into states when they established their commonwealths, adopting America’s dual system.

3. Government by Consent of the Governed

A third contribution is the idea that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. Government of the people, by the people, and for the people—a phrase which, when incorporated into national constitutions, has raised populations from subjects and slaves to free men and citizens.

4. Guarantees of Personal Liberty

Closely bound to democratic rule are the guarantees of personal liberties: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; religious freedom; the writ of habeas corpus; the home inviolable; equal taxation; equality of all men; and safeguards of property—all conceived for the common people and dedicated to oppressed humanity.

Turkey and Persia are among the latest converts to a government where liberty is protected.

5. Separation of Church and State

Fifth is the separation of church and state, with religious liberty for all. This was indeed a new doctrine America gave the world—a right for which our ancestors fought, suffered, and left their homes. It laid the foundations for our great nation.

France, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Jugoslavia are among the countries that have followed our example.

6. Separation of Powers

The separation of governmental powers into legislative, executive, and judicial departments is another famous contribution. The limits and checks the law imposes upon these branches have been found invaluable in securing better government.

7. The Supreme Court

Its most distinctive and original feature is the Supreme Court—a complete departure from any known judicial practice. It has proven to be one of the most successful elements of our Constitution. The Court is its sole interpreter, and as final authority in our political system, it guards the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.

Other nations have adopted this rule to protect their freedom and preserve internal peace.

Eight Pillars of Government

These eight pillars—

1. The written Constitution
2. Federal-State dual system
3. Government by consent
4. Personal liberties
5. Separation of church and state
6. Separation of powers
7. The Supreme Court
8. The Constitution as supreme law

—are American principles now embodied in governments across both hemispheres and in every continent.

Closing the Book

And so I close the time-tried book of government with its white, unfinished pages. I think, with fierce pride and a high heart, how glad I am that I am an American—one of millions who live under a Constitution that has given so much to the world; one who lives in a country that shines as a beacon light to distant lands.

And I bring a challenge of duty to all who are Americans: to carry on as others before you have so nobly done; to watch that light with ardor and tend it with devotion; to keep its flame pure and its lamp unsullied.

For as surely as there has been a past and as surely as there is a present, just so surely will there be a future. And our America—who has given so much and does so much—will in the future pass on the light to yet other nations, until throughout the earth—north, south, east, and west—shall glow the eternal fires of freedom.