When The U.S. Constitution Was First Drafted In 1787

When The Us Constitution Was First Drafted In 1787 It Did Not Inclu

When the U.S. Constitution was first drafted in 1787, it did not include any amendments. As such, the original document was all about the “powers” of government but said nothing about “rights.” Out of concern with tyrannical power, 10 amendments were added to the original document and eventually ratified in 1791. These amendments, called the “Bill of Rights,” granted citizens fundamental rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, the press, peaceful assembly, and religious expression, among others. Since then, 17 more amendments have been added to the Constitution, some containing powers and others containing rights.

Yet neither the original document, nor any of the 27 amendments, mentions citizen responsibility in controlling powers, safeguarding rights, or involvement in political institutions (government, special interest groups, lobbying organizations, the administrative state, and political parties). For this discussion, consider this: It would appear that the Framers assumed that the people would see it in their best interest to ensure, through civic engagement, that this equilibrium between rights and powers would be sustained. The question is: Has it?

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The evolution of the American political landscape reveals a complex interaction between institutions and citizens, where the mechanisms of governance and societal attitudes continually shape the citizen's role in policy and political engagement. While the Constitution establishes the framework for governmental powers and individual rights, it implicitly presumes an active and responsible citizenry committed to maintaining the balance of power and rights through civic engagement. Historically, political institutions have both directly and indirectly influenced citizen participation, either encouraging involvement or fostering disengagement based on the political climate and institutional structures.

One way political institutions have shaped citizen roles is through the design of electoral processes and political representation. For example, the development of the electoral college, the implementation of voter ID laws, and the redistricting process have all influenced voter turnout and engagement. Such institutional arrangements can either facilitate or hinder citizen participation (Hudson, 2017). Moreover, political parties and lobbying organizations serve as intermediaries that mobilize citizens but can also lead to political cynicism or apathy when perceived as self-serving or unresponsive to public needs.

The influence of political institutions extends to policy agenda-setting and governance practices. The agenda-setting cycle described by Shafritz et al. (2005) illustrates how issue attention fluctuates with societal factors and institutional priorities, which in turn affect citizen awareness and involvement. When institutions prioritize specific issues, public engagement tends to follow, reinforcing the democratic principle that informed citizens are essential to effective governance.

Radical individualism, a characteristic ingrained in American culture, significantly impacts the national psyche and citizen roles. Anderson (2012) argues that the emphasis on individual liberty fosters a sense of personal responsibility but can also lead to neglect of collective civic duties. This individualistic mindset often manifests in skepticism towards government intervention, reducing civic participation and fostering a frontline attitude of self-reliance over community involvement. Such attitudes can undermine collective efforts necessary for addressing complex societal issues like economic inequality and environmental sustainability (Hudson, 2017).

There are several reasons civic engagement has declined in the United States. First, political polarization has created an environment where individuals feel alienated or distrustful of the political process. When citizens perceive that government is unresponsive or driven by partisan interests, the motivation for active participation diminishes (Shafritz et al., 2005). Second, the rise of digital media and entertainment has diverted attention from civic duties, replacing traditional forms of engagement such as voting or community organizing with passive consumption of information, which contributes to apathy (Hudson, 2017).

This decline in civic engagement poses substantial risks for future generations. An uninformed or disengaged citizenry threatens the foundation of representative democracy, leading to decreased political accountability and increased susceptibility to misinformation and populism. Over time, policy decisions may reflect the interests of a small, engaged elite rather than the broader population, deepening inequality and social fragmentation (Anderson, 2012).

Internationally, citizen engagement varies widely based on political culture, institutions, and societal values. For example, in Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway, civic responsibility remains high, supported by strong social safety nets and emphasis on community participation. Conversely, in many developing nations, citizen involvement is often limited due to authoritarian governance, lack of education, or restricted political freedoms. Nonetheless, a common thread across democracies is the recognition that active civic participation is vital for legitimacy, policy effectiveness, and social cohesion.

In conclusion, while political institutions have historically shaped and influenced citizen roles, the decline in civic engagement driven by polarization and media consumption threatens the health of democracy. Cultivating a civic-minded culture rooted in collective responsibility and active participation is essential for safeguarding rights, controlling powers, and ensuring effective governance for future generations.

References

• Hudson, W. E. (2017). American democracy in peril: Eight challenges to America’s future (8th ed.). Sage.
• Shafritz, J. M., Lane, K. S., & Borick, C. P. (2005). Classics of public policy. Pearson Education.
• Anderson, K. (2012, July 3). The downside of liberty. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com
• Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community. Simon & Schuster.
• Leighley, J. E., & Nagler, J. (2014). The future of political participation: Are we moving toward sound electoral systems? In Handbook of American Democracy.
• Verba, S., Schlozman, K. L., & Brady, H. E. (1995). Voice and equality: Civic voluntarism and American politics. Harvard University Press.
• Dalton, R. J. (2013). The civic spirit in America: How civic engagement influences democracy’s future. Oxford University Press.
• Gordon, S. (2020). Digital media and civic engagement: New pathways or new barriers? Journal of Political Communication, 37(2), 152–169.
• Schlozman, K., Verba, S., & Brady, H. (2012). The unheavenly chorus: Unequal political voice and the broken promise of American democracy. Princeton University Press.
• Kaldor, M. (2012). Democracy, participation, and social change. International Political Science Review, 33(2), 181–197.