We the People Means More of Us
There is something remarkable about the American Constitution that we rarely stop to consider. Across more than two centuries, Americans have repeatedly amended our founding document to expand the right to vote. Each generation inherited a democracy that excluded too many people, and successive generations worked to open its doors wider.
The 15th Amendment prohibited denying citizens the vote because of race. The 19th Amendment extended constitutional protection to women. The 24th Amendment outlawed poll taxes in federal elections. The 26th Amendment protected the voting rights of citizens 18 and older. Other amendments expanded the people’s direct participation in choosing their representatives and president. Each represented another step toward a more inclusive democracy.
But that constitutional history stands in troubling contrast to the current administration’s actions and rhetoric. From federal seizures of election records to discussions of deploying federal agents at polling places, President Trump and his administration have raised serious concerns about government interference in the democratic process. And when a pastor who advocates repealing women’s voting rights is invited to preach at the Pentagon, we are reminded that even long-established constitutional protections cannot be taken for granted.
We the People has never just meant those in power. The late Congressman Barney Frank said government is what we choose together. That “together” means everyone. Our constitutional history tells a remarkable story of Americans working to expand democracy, not restrict it. As another election approaches, that promise is worth remembering
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