Celebrating the Constitution.

by Michael S. Johnson. 10-2-24

“Let’s choose laughter and respect in a world where opinions collide because civic conversations aren’t just important. They’re the secret sauce that unites our diverse communities and strengthens society”

            — From an award-winning animated video by Neha Yalamanchi, a senior at Susan E. Wagner High School in Staten Island, New York.

Leave it to young Americans to commemorate Constitution and Citizenship Day, by advocating civil discourse.

There weren’t many parades, picnics, or fireworks, if any, to celebrate the 237th birthday of the signing of our Republic’s venerated charter on September 17.

But the students came through. They traveled to Mount Vernon, VA, the historic home of George Washington, who presided over the Constitutional Convention, to participate in Constituting America’s national We Are The Future awards ceremony celebrating the Constitution on its day.

We Are The Future awards are part of Constituting America’s mission to educate and empower young Americans with the knowledge they need to exercise their rights and obligations as effective citizens. There were 23 winners from 12 states.

Research constantly poured into the public information stream reaffirms the failing grades in civic and history education that too many Americans get. Almost half do not believe they have enough knowledge to be good citizens. More than a third can’t pass the civics exam administered to new arrivals. A recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation survey found that “more than 70 percent of Americans fail a basic civic literacy quiz …Just half were able to correctly name the branch of government where bills become laws.” There are now 13 states that do not require a basic civics course to graduate.

On this day, though, students presented their songs, social media and PSA posts, and more, highlighting the five basic rights in the First Amendment to the Constitution: freedom of religion, freedom of press, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances.

Among the creative winning presentations was one by Ms. Neha Yalamanchi. Her animation featured four students sitting around a table, talking about “civil civic discourse.” Some of the table talk in the cartoon included these lines:

“It’s about respectful discussions that united people…even if they disagree.”

“Exactly”, another chimed in, “it’s like having a dance off with ideas where everyone can groove together. 

“So, we throw witty one-liners instead of verbal punches?”

“Well, more like thoughtful questions that open minds and bridge gaps.” 

“See, when we listen and empathize, we grow and our society thrives. We also protect Democracy in America by creating a healthy political environment.”

“Let’s choose laughter and respect in a world where opinions collide because civic conversations aren’t just important… They’re the secret sauce that unites our diverse communities and strengthens society.”

Millions of Americans who seem to get little in return for the anger, rage, and distrust of each other should take note.

It is unfortunate that we don’t celebrate our Constitution like we do our Declaration of Independence. The Constitution faces a good deal of pushback these days and it could use a little more affection.   

The Legislative (Article I) and the Executive (Article II) branches are often at each other’s throats over congressional and presidential authority. The extent of presidential overreach in particular has left the country hamstrung more frequently and with more severe consequences. It is a primary reason for dysfunction.

James Madison, the father of our Constitution, abhorred Executive overreach, whether democratic or monarchical, as Lynne Cheney reminded us in her book on Madison. It was the match that ignited the revolution against the oppression of King George III.

The Supreme Court (Article III) is under siege. Politically motivated “reforms” are being touted with high-pitched frequency. They include packing the court with more Justices, setting term limits and age mandates on their tenure, dictating rules of conduct, and subjecting Justices to a more brutal Senate confirmation gauntlet. Some want to open the charter to wholesale amendment, and others would discard it entirely.

On a broader front, the Constitution’s stature and its ability to uphold the rule of law has been weakened by that lack of civic education in a period when the High Court faces some incredibly complex and emotion-charged issues from free speech to abortion rights and the concept of originalism in the interpretation of the Constitution.

The basic values of an informed electorate, civil discourse, civic engagement, and an empowered citizenry are among those values that have served as the pillars of our Republic and the genius of representative democracy. These core values are also the framework for Fixing Congress: Restoring Power to the People, a new book I recently coauthored with long-time colleague Jerry Climer. It focuses on Congress, the first branch of government, which was designed by the Founders to be the closest to the people and their first line of defense against dysfunctional government. Restoration of the relationship between Congress and its constituency is a good place to start in bringing about change and, yes, restoring the people’s hand on the tiller.

These values are at the heart of the mission of Constituting America, too. The organization provides not only nationwide scholarships but also interactive presentations, online studies, podcasts, and much more. This year’s awards program was live-streamed across the country to more than 21,000 students in 600 schools. Constituting America was founded by actor Janine Turner and is run by a former colleague among the ranks of House chiefs of staff, Cathy Gillespie.

It serves as a reminder that our future is in the hands of the next generation and that the Constitution is an enduring reflection of our strength and weakness, our humility and hubris, our imperfection and our greatness, and our capacity to change, for better and for worse. It has given us a system of government, a unique American charter, and two centuries of progress that have benefitted populations throughout the globe in that time. It has also given us the fortitude to admit our failings and the mechanisms for correcting them. It reflects our eternal optimism and our cynicism, but most of all, our true grit.

Yes, civil discourse, laughter, and, if I may, relearning how to listen are the secret sauce of unity among a diverse citizenry and an enduring Constitution.  

Editor’s Note: Mike Johnson is a former journalist, who worked on the Ford White House staff and served as press secretary and chief of staff to House Republican Leader Bob Michel, prior to entering the private sector. He is co-author of a book, Surviving Inside Congress, a guide for congressional staff, and a new book just released, Fixing Congress: Restoring Power to the People. Fixing Congress is available through most online bookstores.