We the People - 2020 Essay Winners

Featuring the 2020 Constitution Essay Contest Winners!

What the Constitution means to me

We the People A Special Supplement to The Daily Star, Friday, Oct. 30, 2020

Thank you students, teachers, parents and adults who participated in our 2020 Constitution Essay Contest.

We are delighted to present the winning essay submissions to our readers in this special section, We the People.

SEVENTH GRADE ESSAYS

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What the Constitution means to me Joey Gasparek Age 12 Edmeston Central School

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he Constitution of the United States was written over 200 years ago to protect the basic freedoms of the American people and to secure our blessing of liberty. Our forefathers stated in the 2nd Amendment, we shall have a regulated Militia for the security of a free state and the right of the people to keep and bear arms could not be infringed upon. A regulated militia (or the armed services) are going to keep us free of foreign governments taking over. They will fight to protect The United States and the American way of life. We, as citizens, can become members of the military to assist in that battle. The right to keep and bear arms allows me the liberty of enjoying the outdoor sports that have been passed down from generations before me, if it is done lawfully.

Every citizen can choose to do what makes them happy in life and as an outdoors enthusiast, I truly appreciate the ability to hunt, fish and enjoy the outdoors.

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The 2nd Amendment allows me to own and possess firearms for recreational purposes. If I am free to carry a firearm once I am of age and I will not have a threat of losing that right if I am following all state and federal laws regarding firearms. My family and I are all hunters and without this freedom, we would not have the ability to enjoy the outdoor sports that we enjoy. There are several opinions about firearms and how dangerous they are to be around if they are not used properly.

However, firearms are an excellent tool for hunting and trapping. You can more humanly harvest a deer, waterfowl, turkey or any other huntable wildlife. I enjoy going hunting with my family and creating times and memories that will last a lifetime. Hunting also allows me to feel like I am part of something important by helping to control the population of certain types of animals. Over population can cause a lack of food sources and higher death rates from disease.

Because all American’s share the same Constitutional rights, I have the freedom to travel to other states to enjoy hunting and can carry a long gun during the hunt.

If I follow the firearm laws of the state, I can hunt wildlife that do not reside in New York, like Elk, Moose, or

Black tail deer. For generations, people have lived off the land and they have used firearms and archery equipment to harvest game they have needed to feed their families, enjoy nature, and pursue their own happiness.

7th Grade

Winner

For the last 233 years, families like mine have lived within the rules of the 2nd amendment and are lawful gun owners. We use our firearms for purposes of feeding our family, creating memories, and doing what we love to do. With the creation of the Bill of Rights and the 2nd Amendment, I can enjoy these times with my family and know they will not be taken away.

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SEVENTH GRADE ESSAYS

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What the Constitution means to me Landon Wust Age 12 Edmeston Central School

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7th Grade

he Constitution means equality and freedom to all people that are citizens of the United States. The Constitution was one of the most important documents in United States History because it gave freedom and liberty to all people. Thanks to the Civil War and the Fourteenth Amendment, slaves are equal now. I am an outdoorsman and I enjoy hunting, fishing and trapping. These activities would not be possible without the Fourteenth Amendment. The Fourteenth Amendment came to be because of the Civil War. This war was very important because it freed slaves and stopped an ongoing fight between the Southern and Northern States.

Winner

Do you own any land? Do you own property? This is allowed by the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution. My family and I own one hundred eighty- eight acre’s and can do whatever we choose to legally do on this land.

I hunt and fish on my land and before the Constitution this was not possible because many people did not own land or did not have the right to hunt or fish on their own land.

The Fourteenth Amendment also gave basic personal rights like freedom.

This allowed people to think freely, and it could not be held against them. It also ensured the protection of the law to everyone in the United States. Before the Constitution, not every citizen had all the rights that were given. Now every citizen in the United states has equal rights.

The Fourteenth Amendment gives you the freedom to choose whatever job you would like to have. If you want to be a teacher, you must pay to go to college and learn all the teacher traits. If you are going to be a butcher, you must be eighteen or older for safety reasons and must learn the butcher traits.

I want to be a DEC officer when I get older. DEC stands for Department of Environmental Conservation. I love the outdoors and saving wildlife though this occupation is will be a challenge at times, but I like am fond of challenges.

Have you ever thought about moving to a different state? When I am older, I would like to move to North Dakota. I would like to move to the Dakotas because there is very good hunting and fishing there. I would also like to start over and make a new life in a place that is new to me.

The Fourteenth Amendment means so much to me and all the citizens in the United States. Now we do not have to deal with inequality and slavery like most people had to before the Constitution. I can also enjoy the greatness of hunting, fishing, and trapping on my property. It is amazing how smart the Founding Fathers were on crafting this Constitution and how citizens still abide by these rules till this day.

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Olivia Conklin Age 12 Edmeston Central School

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he Constitution of the United States of America means that citizens have rights and freedoms. The 1st Amendment states that, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble…” This is important to me and American citizens because it allows me to pick my own religion, and I say what I want in any written document, and I can assemble peacefully.

7th Grade

Winner

The 1st Amendment includes freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of press, and freedom to assemble.

The freedom of religion grants citizens the right to choose their own religion. It’s important that we can pick our own religion so citizens can follow their own beliefs and individuals don’t have to follow others practices. Freedom of religion also means that early each Sunday morning I hear horses’ hooves as Amish buggies carry the Amish to their church. I can go to any Church I choose, and I can pick more than one religion if I desire. This Amendment also means that I can change my religion or religious beliefs whenever I want.

In addition to freedom of religion, the first amendment also guarantees freedom of speech and press. This gives citizens the right to say whatever they want in the news paper and other written documents, because citizens may want to include things that they think are important to them and they might to be important to others to. It is important that citizens can have freedom of speech and press because it reinforces human rights, allowing society to develop and progress. It allows citizens to express our own opinion and allows us to speak freely to bring about change in society. The rights we have today wouldn’t have been achieved without free speech.

Freedom of speech and press means that I can text my friends without the government telling me what I can and cannot discuss. I can talk about whatever topic I wish with my friends. I can also use social media, such as Tik Tok, and don’t have to worry about what I can and can’t say. It also means that I can write about any topic I choose in a newspaper, a magazine, or anywhere I wish.

Adding to freedom of religion and freedom of speech and press, the First Amendment also states that I can assemble peacefully. This means that at any time I can protest about any topic important to me, as long as it is not violent, and the government cannot interfere. Assembling peacefully means that I can protest on my front lawn about my parents not letting me get a Border Collie puppy. I could protest with anyone that I want about this issue. The government would have no control over what we said or did as long as it is peaceful.

The First Amendment important to me because it gives me many freedoms. I am free to practice whatever religion I choose, say what I choose, write what I choose, and assemble peacefully about whatever I choose. Without the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America I would not be guaranteed these freedoms.

OCT. 29 AND 30, 2020

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EIGHTH GRADE ESSAYS

What the Constitution means to me H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

Brock Porter Age 13 Bainbridge-Guilford Central School

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he Constitution to me, is what makes a country run in an organized fashion.

Without it, the United States of America would not be the same at all. Policies in the U.S Constitution are now used throughout the world. It was made because they wanted to make revisions on the government that they already had. They wanted to make sure that no one had so much power that they could overrule the country.

The Constitution, in my idea, was made in spite of King George III. The people didn’t like being a part of a country with a monarch. To them, that meant that the people had no say in what happens to their country. Now that they separated and became their own land, they wanted to create a more fair way of having the country be run. They came up with voting systems. This way, the people all have a voice.

I often wonder what it was like before the Constitution was written. The Government we had before the Constitution was The Articles of Confederation. The way it was written was adequate but lacking specifics. It made sure that every state had its own independence. The Articles of Confederation were written by John Dickson. The people were okay with that set of guidelines but thought it could use some changes. The Founding Fathers decided to form a new government. The men were very brave. They had just finished fighting in a war and were now trying to run a country. The Founding Father that wrote the Constitution was James Madison. George Washington and him were the only Presidents to sign it. There were 52 delegates that showed up to the convention, but only 39 people signed

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the Constitution. The men that signed this are some of the most important figures in the history of America.

The Constitution, back then, is a lot different than the Constitution in today’s America.

When it was first written, there were only ten Amendments. Now, there are 27. I think the Amendments are one of the most valuable parts of the Constitution. The Amendments establish rights that the citizens of the U.S have. Amendment 1, for example, is freedom of speech. This allows our people to openly state their opinions and voice concerns. I believe that the Amendments were necessary to secure the American citizens’ rights.

8th Grade

Winner

To me, the Constitution means freedom. It means independence. It gives the American people the rights they deserve. It allows us to be self-ruled. The Constitution is so important because these rights can never be taken away from any American citizen no matter what.

This document is a really big and important part of U.S history. In my opinion, it’s what defines America. It shaped our country into what it is now. This is what makes our country stand out from the others. 233 years later, we have maintained our reputation of being a free land...a place where you can truly live the American dream.

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EIGHTH GRADE ESSAYS

What the Constitution means to me

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Tealin Van der Kruik Grade 8 Homeschool

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hen you think of the Constitution, what do you think of? That is a question that all Americans should ask themselves. You should ask yourself that question because the constitution affects you, me, and every other citizen in the United States. To me, the constitution means fair, just laws and the freedom to worship as I choose.

8th Grade

Winner

The Fifth Amendment secures many of our rights, and among these are the right to have an attorney and a fair trial by an impartial jury. If I were to be accused of a crime, I would be entitled to an attorney. I feel that having the right to a lawyer gives an innocent person the chance to let someone speak for them in court. I would choose a lawyer because they would help to defend my innocence. To ensure that my trial is fair, I would be judged by the impartial jury.

I feel that having an impartial jury would help my lawyer to prove that I am not guilty of the crime I have been accused of. I also feel that because there is a process, it will ensure that the justice is served.

The First Amendment protects our right to the freedom of religion. As a Christian, I believe that all of our rights come from the One above. In the Bible, Genesis 2:15 says that God formed the man and woman. Because God made man and woman, who had children, who had children, who eventually became the people we now know and love today, I feel that we owe Him our gratitude and praise for being so very good to me.

Another one of the reasons that I feel that I should praise Him is because the bible commands us to do so. Some of the ways that I can praise Him are through song and dance, prayer, and just everyday life. Because the constitution protects our freedom of religion, I am allowed to worship as the Bible commands in Psalm 117:1-2. Praise the Lord all nations!

In article one, section one of the constitution, we are given the two houses of congress. In the House of Representatives, the number of members is based on the population of each state; in the Senate though, there are two people in this house to represent each state. It’s important that there are different numbers of members in each house because it helps even out our checks and balances system. As a future voter, I feel that having the checks and balances in place keeps not only a single branch from growing to powerful, but keep our laws fair as well.

As for me, the Constitution is more than just a piece of writing. It contains all of my rights and freedoms as an American citizen. It keeps our government equal. So to me, the constitution means just laws for all, and the freedom to worship as I choose.

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Piper Herrig Age 13 Edmeston Central School

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hat does the Constitution mean to me?

Well, that’s a question that I ask myself.

The Constitution gave us our right. Our way of life. Simply waking up every morning to have a normal breakfast with your family or walking in public freely with no worries of never being able to be a normal American citizen. It allows our nation to never feel divided. The Constitution is a long way of saying “you are free, and you are American.” It gave us responsibility, and dedication, and kindness to others. If we didn’t have the Constitution, we wouldn’t have many rights as a business owner, son, daughter, aunt, uncle or even just a resident of the United States of America.

8th Grade

Winner

Many people don’t understand what the Constitution did for our country. Most people push it off and just say “its letters written on a paper.” But fail to recognize that just a single paper can mean so much to everyone. The Constitution allows us to hunt so we can feed our family. The Constitution is power. It gives us liberty, and justice for all. It allows our family property, peace, and hope. Everyday a family member goes to fight for our life with open arms, and strength to prosper for our nation all as one.

The Constitution made it so my family, friends, and people I care about can grow crops. We can own land freely. It allows us to have a more perfect union. While, other countries don’t. It allows us to insure domestic tranquility. Every day we are blessed with general warfare. We are allowed equality, grace, faith, and hope. It allows us friendship, and citizenship with our citizens of the United States of America.

The Constitution gives our governments duty, and responsibility, and guarantees a normal life. When I’m older I want to do great things, and the Constitution will allow me to be able to do that. It’s going to allow me to be a married, mother who can continue to pass on the Constitution with many families to secure their loved ones, family, friends and even the people who aren’t close to us. If you get into depth about the Constitution it really reminds you of the power, liberty, and peace that our constitution holds.

Wake up each morning, hug your family. Eat breakfast with your family. Go to your job, drive your car a little further than you did the day before, don’t hold grudges. It’s the constitution that allows us, to live. It allows us security, and warmth, and time. We have the permission to speak freely, and the right to be able to do what we want. My family owns a home, and many acres, even just the normal everyday clothing. If it weren’t for the Constitution, we wouldn’t have normal food, stores, or even the pursuit of happiness, our life wouldn’t be the way that some people dreamed of.

Never take advantage of what was brought to us out of the kindness of their heart.

That’s what the Constitution means to me!

OCT. 29 AND 30, 2020

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NINTH GRADE ESSAYS

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What the Constitution means to me Avery Bolton Age 14 Edmeston Central School

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he Constitution of the United States means freedom to me. What is freedom? Many people have different definitions of what they think freedom should look like, but to me freedom is much more than being able to speak, act, or think as one wants without restraint. Freedom is being able to live truthfully and happily. The Constitution gives everyone in the United States the ability to have their own ideas, beliefs, and opinions, without this people may feel restricted or controlled by the country. Therefore, the Constitution gives us rights, so we feel included in this society.

9th Grade

Winner

Amendment 1 clearly states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Therefore, stating that they do not have the power to keep anyone from being heard and wanting to have or share their opinions.

Amendment 2 states “the right of people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” This amendment gives all U.S. citizens the ability to keep and bear arms for protection and safety. As well giving people the right to hunt game for sport, but mainly to provide their family with food, as a family who has a main source of food being hunting without this it would be much more challenging. This amendment helps others get food for Nutritional needs this is very important for most families in the United States.

Amendment 5 states “nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.”

This informs us that you shall not be accused of a criminal action or crime without going through the due process of law. Amendment 5 of the constitution gives each and everyone in the United States these freedoms.

In conclusion the Constitution is a very important document in the United States, and it provides all the citizens of the U.S. with many rights so they can live healthy and happy. The amendments of the Constitution are very important as they hold key freedoms in the united states. With out the amendments we may not have the freedoms and abilities we have today. these are very important to me because as a young teen the world has so much conflict having these will allow me to live the life I want.

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Izaiah Conklin Age 14 Edmeston Central School

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he Constitution of the United States has permitted me to express my opinions, assemble in groups of people in a peaceful manner, peacefully protest, and practice any religion. The First Amendment allows me, other Americans, and future generations to enjoy this aspect of liberty in a lawful demeanor. I can enjoy my life, expressing my opinions and gathering in groups in any state or territory that I chose due to the wonderful work of our Founding Fathers.

9th Grade

Winner

The First Amendment of the Constitution has allowed many generations of Americans and hopefully more to come to practice Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press. Freedom of Speech has affected me since I could talk, protecting my right to express my opinions on any topic. This is important because without being able to express opinions on topics then no one can know what you think, and change can’t be made. Furthermore, Freedom of Press is very important and has allowed me to write my opinions and share them to others via written document. This not only allows others to read about my opinion but allows for my opinion to be recorded which has proven to be powerful throughout American history. In addition, Freedom of the Press authorizes news companies to tell us what is happening in the world if what they are saying is truthful.

In addition to Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Press, the First Amendment allows for groups of people to gather in a peaceful manner. The ability to gather in groups has affected me as it permits me to be with people I care for in large groups.

In addition to the ability to gather in groups the First Amendment permits people to peacefully protest. This is a powerful ability in combination with the ability of gathering in groups as Americans can gather in large groups to peacefully protest for change in the Government or in society. These rights have recently been used by millions of Americans the past few months in lawful and unlawful manners. Therefore, these rights must be used in a proper manner.

Additionally, the First Amendment gives Americans the right to practice their religion of choice. Throughout history Freedom of Religion was a major problem worldwide. So, the Founding Fathers wanted to make sure this was an option for the American people as it was the biggest reason for people to come to the United States.

For many Americans this is very important so they can express their beliefs and customs as they chose and aren’t told that there is a right or a wrong belief.

The First Amendment is a very important part of our Constitution as it gives Americans liberty. Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, gathering in groups, the right to protest, and Freedom of Religion are all things that I think we all take advantage of. We must appreciate our Founding Fathers for giving us these liberties that we use every day.

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NINTH GRADE ESSAYS

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What the Constitution means to me Izek Richards Age 14 Edmeston Central School

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ver 200 years ago a Document known as the Constitution of The United States of America was written and designed to “establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, to provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity”. The document is still a living document which means that it can have changes made to it, to accommodate the needs of American citizens as the world continues to change over time. Until now, nobody has really asked the question of “what does the Constitution mean to you? At 14 years old, it’s not something I’ve really thought too much about”.

As I sit here and think about the question, I repeat it over and over in my head. What does the Constitution mean to me? I know that it is the supreme law of the land, it sets up the government, defines the government, and protects the basic rights of all Americans. What does that mean to me? Well, it means that I have rights, but I also have limitations. The Constitution was the platform of the Bill of Rights. This included things like Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion and the Right to Bear Arms just to name a few. That gives me the privilege to say and do the things that I want to as long as I don’t do anything wrong/illegal.

Given the freedom of speech allows me to voice my thoughts and opinions in a way to change the way things might be. The freedom of religion means that I can choose what I believe in, and that can’t be taken away from me. To bear

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arms, well, that allows me to go hunting with an adult of course. So, I have these rights with certain limitations. There are other rights that I will have as I get older but for now these are what I’m allowed.

Looking ahead, into the future, I know that I will have more privileges because of the Constitution. I will be able to own property, I will be able to drive a car, have a job in any field of my choice given the right education, and I will be able to do anything I want to. I could even run for President of the United States if I wanted to. Living in America will give me the opportunity to dream big and accomplish goals that I set for myself as long as I work hard and do my best.

9th Grade

Winner

The US Constitution is still a living Document. It is known that there are 27 amendments in the Constitution and as the world continues to change, the need for new rules and regulations will need to change. When I become an adult, my privileges will change, my opinions may change, and my personal needs may change. Thanks to the founding fathers of this nation, I may one day have the opportunity, to make a difference. That is what the Constitution means to me.

OCT. 29 AND 30, 2020

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THANK YOU PARTICIPANTS!

Honorable Mention Essay Writers

SEVENTH GRADE: Lynessa James Gavin McEnroe Payton Seamon EIGHTH GRADE: Quinn Giordiano Morgyn Turner Hannah Decker Alvin John

NINTH GRADE: Preston Graham Hailey Lund Kristopher Convis Gunner Shoellig Austin Galley Emma White Hailey Rifanburg Carly Bond Maeve Robinson Nicholas Triono Robert Bush Easton Porter ADULT: Andrew Hamill

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ELEVENTH GRADE ESSAY

What the Constitution means to me

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Michael Troiano Age 16 Edmeston Central School

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hat does the Constitution mean to you”? This question can be answered in many different ways. These answers can vary with how much you know about the constitution or certain viewpoints you may have. The constitution may mean different things to different people but we all have to agree on something.

That the constitution is the backbone of our country. If it was not for the constitution we would have nothing.

We would not have a strong government system we have today and most importantly we would not have all the great freedoms we have today that so many of us take for granted.

The constitution was written over 200 years ago by our founding fathers. We had just won the Revolutionary War and the Articles of Federation were far from what we needed as a new country, founded on a new belief different from what the rest of the world had known. So, the constitution was written to create a strong system that could run our country while protecting our idea of liberty. As our fathers were writing our constitution they also looked into the future because 200 years later our country is still being run by the same document with only 27 tweaks to it. Out of them, the first 10 are our Bill of Rights.

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The constitution is so important because it is what makes us the United States of America. It unites us in states and the states under one central government. Making us stronger as one country and helping us gain respect from foreign countries do business with them.

It also allows for our country to be run by the people. Anyone can run for any government position with only a few restrictions for certain positions.

11th Grade

will always be someone, something or a group of people that we will have to fight to keep our freedoms, whether as a country, in the courts, or with other people around us.

In order to truly appreciate and understand the great thing that we have you need to understand what the constitution means and what it means to you. You also need to understand history, especially our own history. There is so much that can be learned from history and it goes with the saying “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.”

Winner

We live in one of the greatest countries in the world.

There are so many people out there who would give anything to live in the U.S. yet there are so many of us who don’t get that and appreciate what we have. There are also so many people out there who would love to take away what we have and have worked so hard. There is a famous quote which I have a lot of respect for. This quote is “freedom is not free”. This quote basically means exactly what it says, that freedom is not free and it never will be. There

OCT. 29 AND 30, 2020

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TWELFTH GRADE ESSAYS

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What the Constitution means to me Matthew Vroman Age 17 Charlotte Valley Central School

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12th Grade

n July 4, 1776, the 13 colonies decided to break all ties with Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence was issued, and it was adopted by the Continental Congress. Our country needed a system of government, laws, and rights for all people. First we drafted the Articles of Confederation which did not work at all. We were determined to draft a document that provided the country with a strong central government based in the system of federalism, where powers were split between Federal, State, and Local governments. So in 1777 our Constitution was written and it was later ratified in 1787. It provided people in America with a strong central government, a reasonable law system, security, and rights. Our Constitution was written over 200 years ago and it still means something to Americans, including me.

Winner

The Constitution is present in every Americans’ daily life. Whether we are in school learning about how the government works or protesting in a town square, the Constitution is in our lives even if we do not realize it. There is an unlimited amount of opportunity for anyone that is an American citizen. This is because our founding fathers came up with a Constitution that provides freedom and rights for everyone. Every citizen has a list of rights that cannot be taken away and that is the Bill of Rights.

Before the Constitution was ratified, many founding fathers demanded that American citizen’s rights be protected. This protection was established thanks to the creation and ratification of the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights was created to protect the individual liberties of citizens from infringement against the government or fellow citizens.

In the first ten amendments freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, and many others are covered. These God-given rights are the most important part of the Constitution because they help provide the basic foundation for government and our society.

To a lot of people, the Constitution is an old unimportant piece of paper that wealthy, white men wrote a long time ago. Other people may feel this way about the Constitution, but not me. This document is indeed very old but our founding fathers came together and created a living and breathing document, which was designed to last. Our forefathers were very intelligent people who knew how to provide for all. This ancient piece of paper allows people to be free and to have liberties that are guaranteed.

I, however, recognize that this document is very important and am very thankful to be born in the United States of America. Here, as an American citizen, freedoms are guaranteed and natural rights are protected, unlike many other foreign countries. The Constitution allows me to be free and to have unlimited opportunity, to have the life of my choice. Every day I am forever grateful for our founding fathers to create the foundation for the greatest country on the planet.

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Krystal Poole Age 17 Charlotte Valley Central School

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12th Grade

o me, the US Constitution means getting to live my life the way I want, without being reprimanded. Our Constitution gives me and fellow citizens our freedoms and rights. It is also the reason why those rights and freedoms cannot be revoked. One of the freedoms it gives US citizens is to practice a religion of our own choosing. Without it, I may not be able to go to my church of choice every Sunday. In the same way that I can choose what religion I believe in, others can also do the same. Our Constitution allows both me and others to believe in different religions without a war starting. The US Constitution allows our country to be unified while also allowing individual opinions and voices to be heard. This reason is one of the many reasons why our Constitution is so important.

Winner

Lots of people, all over the world, live in countries without a Constitution like our own. Many people wake up everyday scared of what might happen to them for something they said the previous day. It is astonishing and disgusting to me that there are places in our world today that still practice things like religious persecution. Our Constitution allows me to go about my day without constantly fearing our Government and the power it has. Many different things in our Constitution make sure that there will never come a day when one part of our Government will overpower another and become overwhelmingly corrupt. This is one of the reasons our Constitution makes me feel safe and lets me enjoy every new day instead of being scared.

Our Constitution is not just another document that is just a dust collector. It is the reason each one of us can get up everyday and be ourselves. I can say what I want, voice my own opinions, and be the person I want to be with out being scared of what might happen to me. It is also the reason why I am confident that our Government and country will always stay safe and secure. The Constitution guarantees the citizens of the United States their rights will not be revoked and they will not be punished for their thoughts and actions. I feel thankful, everyday, that I wake up in a country with a fair Constitution and a fair Government. In conclusion, our Constitution is the reason that we can be both free and united but be individuals at the same time.

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ADULT ESSAYS

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What the Constitution means to me Kim DiScala

Vincent Slesinsky

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et me preface this by saying that the constitution that I will be referring to in this text, is the original document penned by our forefathers ... not the bloated 3,000 page monstrosity that resides in Washington D.C. today.

Those we’ve elected, that swore to uphold and defend the constitution, have decimated it to the point where we no longer have the provisions stated therein.

Adult

“Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

This is an inconvenient truth that our nation’s founders fully realized and attempted to create a document that would effectively curtail the ability of their new government, to become totally corrupt.

Winner

“We the people, in order to form a more perfect Union” ... don’t read over that statement. These people had just won liberty from an oppressive ruler, and had studied governments that had come and gone, knew that the imperfection of man would ALWAYS be a threat to fair governance and sought to write into law, an instrument to try to prevent those in power, from getting too much power. The system of checks and balances was intended to restrict the power of government. Making the constitution the Supreme Law of the Land, was meant to give the individual states the right to govern themselves, provided their laws did not violate the constitution. Is that the case today? Hardly. Let’s take one example: The second amendment to the Bill Of Rights and how it has been usurped and misconstrued.

“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, (comma) Stop right there. As we examine the meaning of that introduction, by learned men well versed in the English language, and the use of punctuation.

Comma: According to the American Heritage Second College Edition Dictionary - 1. A punctuation mark used to indicate a SEPARATION of ideas or of elements within the structure of a sentence.

The framers were apologizing for the necessity of a governmental militia in the thought preceding the comma. After the comma, the subject changes from the governmental armed forces, to the ability of the PEOPLE to have the weaponry to defend themselves form a militarized, tyrannical government, should that situation arise. Remember, they had just liberated themselves from such a government.

So, to continue the amendment after the comma, “the RIGHT of the PEOPLE to KEEP AND BEAR ARMS, shall NOT be infringed.” Has this clearly stated law been compromised by the individual states ? Are there any restrictions, or mention of types of arms the people would be allowed to possess? No. However, over the years this right has been infringed upon, incrementally and unconstitutionally, by many states, AND the federal government .

The constitution does not need to be interpreted. It is straight forward, simply stated and needs only to be COMPREHENDED, not interpreted.

The constitution is the greatest prescription for governmental restriction over a free society ever written. It should be fully restored to its original text, and to its rightful place as the Supreme Law of the Land.

WE THE PEOPLE - THE DAILY STAR

he Constitution of the United States has granted me the privilege to secure and enjoy the Blessings of Liberty and to be able to pass these blessings along to future generations of family. The Fourteenth Amendment protects this blessing because it allows me to fully enjoy life, liberty and property in a legal and law-abiding manner.

I am able to enjoy life, liberty and property in any state that I choose because of the foresight of a group of like-minded individuals known as our Founding Fathers.

Adult

Winner

My quest for life, liberty, and property began as a freshman at the State University of New York at Oneonta in the Fall of 1994. Being able to experience life as a recent high school graduate was eye opening as I was now taking courses and pursuing a career path that I had chosen. The Constitution written in 1787, allowed my dream of earning a degree of my choosing to become a reality. I often ponder what my life would be like if individuals did not have the liberty to select a career path of their choosing! Would each of us live a life fulfilled, or would we be constantly asking what if?

For citizens of the United States, the Blessing of Liberty rings loudly on a daily basis. Liberty is heard in the loud resonating metallic sound of a Craftsman’s hammer striking nail, in the sweet aroma of Apple Pies baking in the Pastry Chef’s oven, and in the tapping of keys on the Scholar’s word processor.

The message of liberty is clear whether it is hammered, baked, or spelled neatly. I am “free”, I have the right to be anything and do anything as long as I am willing to put forth the time and effort to reach my goal.

The owning of property is a right that has never been squandered. The freedom of owning property makes one feel the invigorating power of being a king. Granted, my kingdom only consists of .25 acres, it is plenty enough for a small vegetable garden and enough lawn to be maintained via push mower power. WWI contemplate on this privilege with an ear to ear grin every time I take a bite of fresh home-grown tomato, while completing lawn chores, or relaxing in the hammock on a warm Sunday afternoon. There is an ultimate sense of pride and freedom that comes with proclaiming this chunk of earth as my home and knowing one day I am “free” to pass this small paradise to my loved ones.

The Blessings of Liberty have been passed from one generation to the next for 233 years, and will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. The Constitution has become more than a piece of parchment paper, it has become a living document that allows all to enjoy life, liberty and property. I have been able to live a life packed with opportunity, the freedom of choice, and have had the pleasure to enjoy a slice of the “American Dream” because of our Founding Father’s wisdom in 1787.

OCT. 29 AND 30, 2020

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We the People

Congratulations Essay Winners!

THANK YOU TO ALL THE SPONSORS WHO MADE THIS ESSAY CONTEST POSSIBLE! Clapper Construction, LLC The Hynes and Miller Funeral Homes Kelley M. Eckmair Attorney at Law Losie’s Gun Shop Munson’s True Value Building Supplies & Rental Sharon Springs Garage Inc. Sundaes Restaurant & Tasty Freeze Tillapaugh Funeral Home Titan Drilling Corp.

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OCT. 29 AND 30, 2020

WE THE PEOPLE - THE DAILY STAR