Writing My Constitution - Admission/Application Essay Example

Vickie Walker Connie Jorgensen February 9, Writing My Constitution In all the features, elements and s of humanity, some form of rules are necessary to govern, maintain order and prevent injustice in the society. It is assumed that people know basic rules concerning right and wrong, but choose to ignore them as portrayed by the numerous counts of wrongdoings in the society. In my country, a constitution would be necessary as it would act as a guide to the laws that the citizens should follow, as well as empower the citizens to stay involved in the country’s affairs. The country will be governed like a democracy so the government will work for the citizens. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, a democracy refers to a government whose authority is exercised by the people, either directly or using elected representatives (American Heritage Dictionary 2014). My constitution will ensure that the citizen’s rights are protected by the government. This constitution will act as the law of the land and it will seek to create a pleasant, healthy, and comfortable country for the citizens (Stanford 2004). This paper will demonstrate the goals of my constitution, its benefits and discuss its most prominent features and how they will ensure a democratic country is governed for the interests of the citizens of the Country. A constitution is also referred to as the law of the land and it comprises of a set of established laws and fundamental principles that govern the people of a particular nation, state or organization. I will write this constitution with the assistance of various leaders who will ensure that the people’s will is voiced. The constitution will be accessible to all my citizens to make certain that they are aware and have a clear understanding of the contents therein. When writing this constitution, many issues will be observed. These issues concern methods used to elect leaders, distribution of power among the elected leaders, the citizens’ rights, the justice or judicial system, laws amendment and ways of funding the government. This will make certain that my constitution will be in line with the goals of democracy, which are concerned with defending the citizens’ rights and guaranteeing that they possess free will (Morison, Commager & Leuchtenburg 7). I will ascertain that a great constitution is provided to my citizens by ensuring that the type of government accorded by the constitution will serve the people diligently and protect their rights. As indicated in the preceding paragraph, I will ascertain that my constitution gives rise to a democratic country. In my country the ultimate power will be enthroned in the people and wielded by the leaders chosen through a free and fair election. The constitution’s goals will be in accordance with those of a democratic government, as it aspires to provide freedom and equality to all the citizens (Stanford 2004). Using Abraham Lincoln’s words, it is a government “of the people, by the people, for the people” (Amar 15). My constitution’s goals are as follows. 1. The constitution will strive to defend the rights of the people. 2. The constitution will ensure that there will be free and fair elections. 3. The constitution will ensure that an oppressive taxation system is not implemented. 4. The constitution will ensure a fair judicial system is in place. 5. The constitution can be amended by the people to suit the people’s will. 6. The constitution will ensure that a stable government that serves the people is formed. The articles in the constitution will address Citizenship, elections, voting, basic rights of the people, the judiciary, government funding, property rights and amending the constitution. These articles are intending to define who is a citizen, the rights of the citizens, how these rights are protected, the responsibilities of the citizens, and the limits of the Government. My Constitution will be comprehensive but will bear the ability to expand upon, therefore, not limiting but not vague. I find that the most important part of the Constitution is enabling citizens to participate in their own future by being included as participants in the Government activities. Any good manager understands the importance of personal responsibility and personal accountability leading to personal success (Amar 15). Citizenship This will concern the link between the people and the nation and the qualifications that an individual needs to possess in order to work, live and vote in the nation. Citizenship or nationality will be automatic for those individuals who have been born in any part of the country. The constitution will also allow the individuals who wish to live and work in the country to apply for citizenship (Price 2013). Any individual who does not apply for citizenship within 6 months of occupancy in the country will be extradited and not allowed to return until an application for citizenship has been submitted. Acquiring citizenship in many countries is usually a daunting task but this constitution will ensure that citizenship is simplified to all who will qualify. This will assist in bringing talent from other nations and allow the retention of people who will help build this nation. The constitution will also deal with matters concerning citizenship revocation and the issues that would lead to the execution of such an act. It will ensure that all the citizens enjoy equal rights regardless (Morison, Commager and Leuchtenburg 23). Choosing Leaders This constitution will be serving a democratic country; therefore, leaders will be selected through an election. The election process will be fair and free and it will involve casting ballots. The citizens will be led by the candidate who gathers the highest number of votes among the contestants. The constitution will also ensure that the minorities are represented as it will offer provisions for minority leaders. Having a constitution that advocates for free and fair elections and recognizes the minorities will ensure that the people are united and possess leaders who have their best interests at heart. The leaders will be allowed to rule for a specified time according to their positions and new elections will be held if they are ousted by the people or in case their time expires. This will enhance accountability in the leaders as they will realize that the people can remove or elect them to office depending on how well they satisfy their needs. I feel that the Government in the United States of America today is more concerned with the elites’ agenda and less concerned about their citizens, so it is important for the citizens to stand up and participate, and avoid being dominated by the leaders. It is important for citizens to know that they can make a difference and prove their authority to Government and in governing. The elected leaders will receive a salary funded by taxation during their term in office. They will not receive payment after exiting office; therefore, continuing to be active participants in the Country’s affairs (Amar 28). Who is allowed to Vote? The constitution will allow every citizen in the country to vote provided that they are eighteen years of age. The election process will be computerized, therefore, easily identifying every eligible citizen who can vote. Immigrants will be allowed to vote provided that they have applied for citizenship, thus enjoying rights just like other citizens. This will also ensure that they are represented and bear a voice that will allow their grievances to be addressed (Price 2013). Basic Rights of the People This constitution will ensure that all human rights are upheld and all the people who violate them are punished and offered rehabilitation. If an individual avoids or refuses to be rehabilitated, he or she will lose citizenship rights, as well as face banishment from the Country. It is clear that the constitution does not give people rights since every individual is automatically born with rights. The constitution’s role is to protect the citizens’ rights from being infringed by the government or by other individuals. My constitution will limit the powers exercised by the government by ensuring that the people’s will is prioritized in the government’s dealings. The government will only be allowed to exercise the specific powers that will be outlined in the constitution (Amar 37). The constitution will also bear the Bill of rights. This section will specifically concern the protection of the citizens’ rights and it will help in specifying and explaining the rights individually. The constitution will be there to protect the citizens, therefore, making it a useful tool in enhancing democracy in the country. It helps to keep a level platform where equal treatment can be served to all the citizens without according special treatment to some people because of their position or influence in the society (Price 2013). The Judiciary This is also referred to as the court system and it is responsible for the interpretation and application of the laws provided by the constitution. This constitution will not be helpful if the judicial system is flawed as the laws will not be interpreted accordingly, therefore, disputes between the citizens will not be solved effectively. The constitution will provide for a jury system and the judges will be vetted accordingly to ensure that justice prevails. There will be different levels of courts. This will enable the judiciary to solve cases easily and efficiently as it will ensure that cases of different intensity will be handled by relevant courts. The people who are convicted of various wrongdoings will be punished and rehabilitated according to the stipulations provided by the constitution (Price 2013). This will ensure that everyone is aware of the consequences of their actions. Funding the Government Governments need funds to enable them to carry out various tasks such as building infrastructure, paying the civil servants, and funding various projects among other roles. The main source of funds is usually through taxes. The government in this case may rely on grants but taxing the citizens will be the main source of funds. The constitution will allow the government to collect taxes from the citizens but will not allow over taxation. This will be done by taxing all of the citizens. Unemployed people will participate in community work where they will be receive weekly wages, therefore, ensuring that every citizen plays a role in building the country. No one will be accorded special treatment except for the physically and mentally disabled. This is not only for the Country’s benefit but also for an individual’s self-worth and self-development. This will ascertain that all citizens are more engaged in the country’s affairs (Amar 19). Property Rights People will be allowed to own land, homes, businesses and other properties since this constitution will be serving a democratic country. The constitution will protect every citizen’s properties and ensure that they are not forcefully denied their rights to property ownership (Price 2013). Amending the Constitution Since this will be a new constitution, many issues may not be addressed, therefore, there is need to amend it to ensure that the people are served in the right manner. Provisions will be made in the constitution to allow for its amendment through a referendum. The people can use their leaders to suggest changes and allow the people will accept or reject them through an election process. This will ensure that every citizen’s rights are represented by the constitution (Morison, Commager and Leuchtenburg 11). Writing a constitution entails a lot careful planning and detailing, thus takes a lot of time. A great constitution is needed for the people to enjoy freedom and ensure that their rights are upheld. A proper constitution is necessary to ensure that the government takes responsibility for its citizens (Amar 6). I want to go a step further by according my citizens with some form of entitlement and ensure that they take greater responsibility for their Government and their Country. This will instill pride and importance for every citizen creating a stronger Country grounded on patriotism. Empowering the citizens gives them a sense of pride, accomplishment and most of all, a sense of belonging. It is crucial for every citizen to be and feel important; therefore, this constitution will truly be by the people and for the people (Morison, Commager and Leuchtenburg 3). Works Cited Amar, A. Reed. Americas Constitution: A Biography. New York: Random House. 2005. Print. American Heritage Dictionary. The American Heritage Dictionary Blog. American Heritage Dictionary Entry: democracy. Web. January 30, 2014. http://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=democracy Morison, S. Eliot, Henry S. Commager and William E. Leuchtenburg (1980). The growth of the American Republic. New York: Oxford University Press. Price, Allan. "Scottish independence: How do you write a constitution?" BBC News. BBC, 24 Jan. 2013. Web. January 24, 2014. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics 21068181 Stanford. What is Democracy? January 21, 2004. Web. January 28, 2014. http://www.stanford.edu/~ldiamond/iraq/WhaIsDemocracy012004.htm Read More