How Do We Keep Our Founding Principles Relevant?

Commentary

We are fast approaching the 250th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence, written in 1776 to express a clean break from the oppressive rule of England over the affairs of the Colonies. The Revolutionary War had already begun (1775–1783) against the British, and different forms of government were being formulated in the fledgling states.

In 1787, a federal Constitution was drafted primarily by James Madison, with input from several Founders. It began with the words, “We the people,” rather than “We the government.” The Constitution codified the natural rights of individual liberty, including property rights and equal protection under just laws. It also articulated the separation of powers among the three government branches (executive, judicial, and legislative), and their roles. The document was signed in 1787 and ratified by the states in 1789.

The Founders of the republic placed an emphasis on limited federal government. The primary roles were common defense and a degree of commercial regulation. Most power was delegated to the people and the states, as the Founders trusted that people had the ability to govern themselves without micromanagement from government. Indeed, if left alone, most folks could be industrious and would develop an ethic of personal responsibility.

Things have changed in our society since the Founding Fathers’ vision was laid out. The federal government and several states are burdening future generations with colossal debt and perpetual deficit spending. Several redundant agencies spend tax revenue inefficiently on activities that could be better carried out by communities and the private sector.

The Founders never expected that Americans would become dependent on the government for many of their needs and wants. Yet that is precisely what has transpired, especially since the alleged war on poverty and welfare programs accelerated during the 1960s. The growth of education, food, health care, housing, and job programs led to abuse, corruption, fraud, and waste, as many folks felt entitled to these taxpayer-funded services. Moreover, too many politicians have encouraged people to latch on to these programs despite their inefficiencies.

Over time, those who rely on government handouts reflexively turn to Big Brother to provide for their “needs.” If their desires aren’t met, they often play the victim card. This can lead to the erosion of personal initiative and encourage a mentality of unearned entitlement. In 1944, Friedrich A. Hayek penned a classic work titled “The Road to Serfdom.” In it, he described how folks can become enslaved to government as it increasingly meddles in the economy and their personal lives. Unfortunately, recipients of government welfare don’t fully realize that government can giveth, but it can also taketh away.

Government dependency can also inhibit economic growth as the number of producers decreases while the takers multiply. The less ambitious are rewarded, while hard workers are punished with an excessive regulatory and tax burden to fund the top-heavy state. This imbalance can incrementally clear a path toward socialism or, in the worst-case scenario, degenerate into totalitarianism.

Restoring the Founding Principles

The United States is far different today from how it was in the early years of the republic. Folks were expected to pull their own weight and solve problems at the local level of family, church, and community. Government assistance was to be used sparingly, as a last resort. Those early years weren’t perfect, but at least there were core principles that involved hope, merit, and personal responsibility.

In his farewell address, George Washington advised against entanglements in foreign alliances and their attendant problems. However, in the modern era it is a challenge to avoid this due to the interconnected nature of most nations. Indeed, fair trade and mutual security pacts are useful when they align with our vital national interests.

We can make the founding principles relevant again by teaching youngsters about America’s great heritage of responsible liberty and voluntary associations that help build a healthy and strong culture. We can teach them that demanding special rights is inappropriate in a nation of equality of opportunity and the rule of law. Parents and teachers ought to instill a work ethic as a worthy value to embrace in attaining independence, civic virtues, fulfillment, and the American Dream.

Each generation must learn that our freedom and rights don’t emanate from the government. They are inherent natural rights that aren’t given out and cannot be stolen from us. Representative government exists merely to preserve those rights when other methods are exhausted. Starting at a young age and increasing the difficulty of the subject matter as students mature, folks can work their way through the founding documents to absorb the blessings of liberty and streamlined governance.

Awareness that freedom isn’t free is crucial, and it requires vigilance. It can be sustained through free markets, just laws, and mutual respect. Finally, everyone faces failures and successes in life, so we should expect the unexpected, learn from experience, and persevere. In his 1961 inaugural address, John F. Kennedy stated, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.