The Personal Website of Mark W. Dawson

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and some would say Wisdom (and some would say not).

Rediscovering the American Revolution

With the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, it is important not only to celebrate this anniversary but also to reexamine the ideals and principles of our founding and to rededicate ourselves to them. Below are the Chirps I have written about this rediscovery:

06/30/26 A Conservative Revolution

As we begin the weeklong celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, I will spend the week examining its true underlying meaning. This meaning is not only about the Declaration of Independence but also about the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which translate the Declaration's ideals into the Constitution's framework for a government that protects those ideals.

John Adams, in his reflections on the American Revolution in 1818, concluded that the American Revolution was not the war, but the change in attitudes of the Colonists regarding government:

“The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people .... This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people was the real American Revolution.”
 - John Adams

This radical change was brought about by a shift in how the British Crown and Parliament began treating the American Colonies and colonists after many decades, and sometimes over 100 years, of self-rule and individual rights in the Colonies.

Charters in the American colonies were documents granted by the British Crown that provided legal rights and governance structures for the colonies. These charters defined the relationship between the colonies and the Crown, allowing for varying degrees of self-governance, with some colonies eventually becoming royal colonies as control shifted back to the Crown.

Colonial government of the Thirteen Colonies of British America developed in the 17th and 18th centuries under the influence of the British constitution. The British monarch issued colonial charters that established either royal colonies, proprietary colonies, or corporate colonies. In every colony, a governor led the executive branch, and the legislative branch was divided into two houses: a governor's council and a representative assembly. Men who met property qualifications elected the assembly. In royal colonies, the British government appointed the governor and the council. In proprietary colonies, the proprietors appointed the governor and his council. In corporate colonies, voters elected these officials.

As political tensions grew, many colonies surrendered their original charters to the Crown, transitioning to royal colonies. By 1763, most colonies had lost their charter status, leading to increased control from the British government. This shift contributed to the growing unrest that eventually culminated in the American Revolution.

After the French and Indian Wars in America (1754–1763) and the Seven Years War worldwide (1756–1763), the British Crown and Parliament became more involved in the internal governance of the American Colonies, primarily to raise taxes to pay for these wars, but also to extend the British Empire and its control over the lands west of the Colonies. In doing so, they often negated self-governance and violated the rights that every English person believed were inherent to being an Englishman.

Thus, the discontent of the American Colonies and colonists grew into the American Revolution. It was a revolution to regain the right to self-rule and the rights of each person against the oppressions by the British government. Consequently, it was a revolution to conserve what they had previously practiced in their self-governance and the rights of an individual person. Unlike the French Revolution, which was a leftist revolution to overthrow the Monarch, Government, and Church in France to be replaced with a utopian ideal that descended into the Reign of Terror and violated the tenets of self-governance and the rights of an individual person, the American Revolution achieved its goals with the adoption of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

07/01/26 Ideals and Principles of the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence is based on the principles that all men are created equal and are endowed with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It asserts that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed and that people have the right to alter or abolish any government that becomes destructive to these ends.

Structure of the Document

The Declaration is structured into three main parts:

1. Preamble: Introduces the philosophy of government and the concept of natural rights.
2. List of Grievances: Details the colonists' complaints against King George III, justifying their decision to seek independence.
3. Resolution of Independence: Officially declares the colonies as free and independent states.

Core Ideals

The Declaration emphasizes several core ideals:

Equality and Rights

• All Men Are Created Equal: The Declaration asserts that every individual is equal in rights.
• Unalienable Rights: It emphasizes that people are endowed with certain rights that cannot be taken away, including:
  • Life signifies the fundamental right to live freely without oppression.
  • Liberty, framing it as freedom from coercion and the pursuit of virtue and the "pursuit of happiness."
  • The pursuit of happiness, emphasizing the right to seek personal fulfillment and well-being.

Government and Consent

• Just Powers from the Governed: The Declaration states that governments derive their authority from the consent of the people they govern.
• Right to Alter or Abolish Government: It declares that if a government becomes destructive to the rights of the people, they have the right to change or eliminate it.

Principles

• Equality: All individuals are inherently equal.
• Unalienable Rights: Rights that cannot be surrendered or taken away.
• Consent of the Governed: Governments must have the approval of the people to be legitimate.
• Right to Revolution: People can overthrow a government that fails to protect their rights.

These ideals form the foundation of the Declaration of Independence, articulating the values that inspired the American Revolution and continue to influence democratic ideals today.

Historical Context

The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, during a time when the thirteen American colonies were increasingly frustrated with British rule, particularly over issues like taxation without representation. This document formally severed political ties with Great Britain and articulated the colonies' desire for self-governance and individual rights.

Historical Impact

The Declaration of Independence served multiple purposes:

• Formal Separation: It announced the colonies' break from Great Britain, establishing them as independent states.
• Universal Principles: The document articulated ideals of equality and rights, influencing future democratic movements both in the U.S. and around the world.

The Declaration's assertion of unalienable rights has served as a moral foundation for numerous social justice movements, including:

• Abolition of slavery
• Women's suffrage
• Civil Rights Movement

These movements have drawn upon the Declaration's principles to argue for equality and justice in American society.

Contemporary Issues

This month's Book It selection, “The Founder’s Revolution: The Forgotten History and Principles of the Declaration of Independence” by Michael S. Law, examines the Declaration of Independence by focusing on its principles and the historical context in which they were articulated. It also comments on how our current government has strayed from these principles.

07/02/26 Ideas and Principles of the Constitution

The Constitution's ideas and principles include popular sovereignty, republicanism, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, limited government, and individual rights. These ideas and principles were meant to establish Liberties and Freedoms for Americans, as the ideals espoused in the Declaration of Independence declared. They also work together to ensure a strong and effective government while protecting individual liberties.

Overview of the Constitution Structure

The Constitution of the United States is a foundational document that establishes the framework of the government. It consists of several key components:

Main Components

• Preamble: An introductory statement that outlines the purposes of the government.
• Articles: Seven articles that define the structure and powers of the government.
• Amendments: A total of 27 amendments that have been added to address changes and rights over time.

Detailed Breakdown

Preamble

The Preamble serves as an introduction, stating the goals of the Constitution:

• Form a more perfect Union
• Establish Justice
• Insure domestic Tranquility
• Provide for the common defence
• Promote the general Welfare
• Secure the Blessings of Liberty

Articles

The Articles establish the form and functions of the Federal government:

• Article I: Establishes the Legislative Branch (Congress).
• Article II: Defines the Executive Branch (President).
• Article III: Outlines the Judicial Branch (Supreme Court and lower courts).
• Article IV: Addresses the states' powers and limits.
• Article V: Describes the process for amending the Constitution.
• Article VI: Establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
• Article VII: Details the ratification process of the Constitution.

Amendments

The Constitution has been amended 27 times, with the first ten amendments known as the Bill of Rights, added in 1791 to guarantee individual liberties.

This structure ensures a balance of power among the branches of government and protects the rights of citizens.

Key Principles of the Constitution

The Constitution of the United States is built upon several foundational principles that guide the structure and function of the government. They are:

These principles collectively create a balanced and fair system of governance, protecting the rights of individuals while allowing for the effective administration of laws and policies.

Historical Context

The U.S. Constitution was created in response to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which led to economic instability and conflicts among states. It was drafted during the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where delegates aimed to establish a stronger federal government to ensure order and address the nation's challenges.

07/03/26 Principles of the Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. They were adopted shortly after the Constitution was ratified to protect individual liberties and limit government power. This was done to address concerns about the lack of specific protections for personal freedoms in the original Constitution.

The principles of the Bill of Rights are foundational to American democracy, ensuring that individual freedoms are safeguarded against government overreach. These amendments continue to play a vital role in the legal and cultural landscape of the United States.

Bill of Rights Amendments

1st: Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition
2nd: Right to keep and bear arms
3rd: Protection from quartering soldiers in private homes
4th: Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures
5th: Rights related to legal proceedings, including due process
6th: Right to a fair trial and legal counsel
7th: Right to a jury trial in civil cases
8th: Protection against cruel and unusual punishment
9th: Rights not specifically enumerated are still retained by the people
10th: Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people

Key Principles

The principles underlying these amendments are crucial for understanding their purpose and impact.

Individual Liberties

• Freedom of Speech: The right of individuals or groups of people to express opinions and ideas without government interference or censorship.
• Freedom of Religion: The right to practice, change, or not practice a religion without government interference, including the right to worship, teach, and observe beliefs publicly or privately. It also prevents government from favoring or restricting religion.
• Freedom of the Press: Ensures that journalists, authors, and publishers are free to speak their minds without fear of government interference.
• Freedom of Association: The right of individuals to join or leave groups voluntarily, allowing them to collectively express, promote, pursue, and defend common interests.
• Freedom to Petition: Allows people to ask the government to address concerns or change policies without punishment, including through letters, meetings, lawsuits, or public testimony. It protects actions like signing petitions, lobbying officials, and filing court cases to seek remedies.
• Right to Bear Arms: Affirms the right of individuals to possess weapons for self-defense, hunting, and sporting activities, as well as other lawful purposes.

Limitations on Government Power

• Due Process: The legal requirement that government must respect all legal rights owed to a person, ensuring fair treatment through the judicial system. It is a fundamental principle that protects individuals from arbitrary denial of life, liberty, or property by the government.
• Protection from Unreasonable Searches: Protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government, requiring warrants based on probable cause except in specific, established exceptions.
• Prohibition of Cruel and Unusual Punishment: Prevents the government from imposing excessively harsh penalties on individuals. This principle aims to protect human dignity and ensure that punishments are not arbitrary or disproportionate to the crime committed.

Federal Government Restrictions

• Natural Rights not enumerated are retained by the people.
• Powers not delegated to the Federal government belong to the States or the people.

Historical Context

The Bill of Rights was created in response to concerns raised during the ratification of the Constitution. Many feared that without explicit protections, individual rights could be infringed upon by the federal government. The amendments were largely influenced by earlier documents, such as the Virginia Declaration of Rights of 1776 and the English Bill of Rights of 1689.

Contemporary Issues

The American government has often been criticized for straying from the Bill of Rights by expanding federal power and limiting individual liberties, particularly through legislation and judicial interpretations that may infringe on the rights guaranteed by these amendments. Concerns about government overreach and the erosion of personal freedoms have been ongoing since the Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791. These concerns in general are:

• Over the years, there have been numerous instances where federal authority has increased, often at the expense of individual rights. Critics argue that this expansion undermines the original intent of the Bill of Rights, which was designed to protect citizens from government overreach.
• Certain laws have been enacted that are perceived to infringe upon the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. For example, legislation related to national security has sometimes limited rights such as freedom of speech and the right to privacy.
• Courts have occasionally interpreted the Bill of Rights in ways that allow for greater government control. This has led to decisions that some believe compromise the protections intended by the amendments.

The ongoing debate about the balance between government power and individual rights reflects the dynamic nature of American democracy. Critics continue to advocate for a strict adherence to the Bill of Rights to ensure that personal freedoms are not eroded by expanding federal authority.

07/04/26 The Spirit of Liberty and Freedom

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we should remember the core spirit and principles of America. In this celebration, we should remember the Founding Fathers' goals in establishing America.

It has been said that wars are not only won on the battlefield but also in the conference room, through sharing points of view, debating, negotiating, and compromising. That is what happened in the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and, later, the adoption of the United States Constitution in 1787. As current Massachusetts Governor Healey recently said, “Massachusetts started the fight. Pennsylvania did the paperwork.” Massachusetts was the first battlefield, while Pennsylvania was the conference room.

And in this conference room, one of the most famous phrases in all of history is from the Declaration of Independence, which expresses American ideals:

 “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

In addition, eleven years later in the same conference room, the Constitution of the United States was drafted, in which the preamble establishes the ideals of the Declaration of Independence in our government and the ideas of the best means to accomplish the Declaration's ideals:

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

A few years later, in December 1791, Congress ratified the Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution. These amendments were ratified to protect individual liberties and limit government power. As such, these rights are essential to all Americans and cannot be abrogated by the government. They also prohibit the government from encroaching on areas that are not within its purview. 

In these documents and amendments, the spirit of Liberty and Freedom abounds.

Whether or not you are attending any celebrations this summer, please remember that this country was founded on the spirit of Liberty and Freedom, and the principle that each and every one of us is endowed with certain unalienable rights to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. And these should be the main points of our celebrations.

07/05/26 Abraham Lincoln and the American Revolution

Most American Presidents have expressed their admiration for and fidelity to the ideals and ideas of the American Revolution. Aside from the original Founding Fathers, Abraham Lincoln was the President who best understood the meaning of the American Revolution. It was this understanding that gave him the fortitude to withstand the vitriolic attacks against him and his leadership in the American Civil War.

Abraham Lincoln carefully studied the Declaration of Independence and its meaning, which, along with his legal skills on the United States Constitution, allowed him to appreciate the greatness of the Declaration, Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. An appreciation that led him to write the greatest speech in American history, The Gettysburg Address, which ended with the immortal words “- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Throughout his speeches, letters, and proclamations, he repeatedly invoked the ideals, ideas, and principles of the Declaration, Constitution, and Bill of Rights to justify his opinions. He also warned of the dangers of abandoning these ideals, ideas, and principles.

On Jan. 27, 1838, Abraham Lincoln spoke before the Young Men's Lyceum of Springfield, Illinois, about "The Perpetuation of Our Political Institutions." During that address, he said: "At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide."

He also warned:

"Don't interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties."
  - Abraham Lincoln

“There is no grievance that is a fit object of redress by mob law.”
 - Abraham Lincoln

“You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.”
 - Abraham Lincoln

In addition, he warned of those who would pervert the government to achieve goals not consistent with our ideals and ideas through government actions, and reminded Americans that:

"We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution."
  - Abraham Lincoln

We would all do well to read his thoughts as a guide to understanding our American Ideals and Ideas:

• Lincoln's The Perpetuation of Our Political Institutions speech - January 27, 1838
• Lincoln's A House Divided speech - June 16, 1858
• Lincoln's Cooper Union Address - February 27, 1860
• Lincoln's First Inaugural Address - March 4, 1861
• Lincoln's Message to Congress in Special Session - July 4, 1861
• Lincoln's Proclamation of Thanksgiving - October 3, 1863
• Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation - January 1, 1863
• Lincoln's Gettysburg  Address - November 19, 1863
• Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address - March 4, 1865

Until we understand, appreciate, and heed his warnings, we shall, as President Lincoln said in his concluding remarks to his 1862 State of the Union Address, “We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth.”

07/06/26 Reestablishing Our Ideals, Ideas, and Principles

“The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases.”
- Thomas Jefferson

The history of American government in the 20th and 21st centuries is one of government growth. This history is also one of increasing government corruption and decreasing Liberties and Freedoms of Americans. A corruption not only of money and power, but also of our principles and values. Arnold Joseph Toynbee, the great English historian and philosopher of history, argues that civilizations succumb to decline when they lose sight of the values, beliefs, and ideals that once animated their cultural and social fabric, leading to a crisis of confidence and existential angst. Thomas Jefferson also stated that:

“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”
- Thomas Jefferson

Repairing this corruption in America requires principled leadership that understands the Ideals of the Declaration of Independence, the Ideas of the Constitution, and the principles of the Bill of Rights, as my three previous Chirps have outlined and as I have incorporated into a new article, “Principles of American Governance”. These principles are to ensure A Just Government and a Just Society, based on The American Theory of Government dedicated to Freedoms, Liberties, Equalities, and Equal Justice for All.

One of the most important corrections is for the American people to insist on virtue in their leaders, as I have written in my article Religion, Morality, Ethics, Character, and Virtue Within Government and Society and Chirped on "05/05/24 Virtue In America", and to vote for principled leaders focused on doing what is best for America and Americans. This would require the American people to set aside their self-interests when voting and to choose a candidate based on character, integrity, virtue, and principles, as well as policy agendas.

Alas, too many Americans are wrapped up in self-interest or dependency on government to expect this change to occur in the short term. Also, many Americans have not received a quality American history education that helps them understand the importance of Liberties and Freedoms in our society and governance. Nor have they had a proper civics education, as I have Chirped on "02/20/25 An Appalling Lack of Civics Education" to understand the role and responsibilities of government in preserving our Liberties and Freedoms.

Consequently, until this occurs, we will endure turbulent times that will test our mettle as we work to reestablish our Ideals, Ideas, and Principles to preserve our Liberties and Freedoms. In our 250th anniversary celebrations, we should not only exalt our past, but rededicate ourselves to our Ideals, Ideas, and Principles that gave us the Liberties and Freedoms that made us a great nation.

07/07/26 Rediscovering the American Revolution

Edward Osborne Wilson (June 10, 1929 – December 26, 2021) was an American biologist, naturalist, ecologist, and entomologist who developed the field of sociobiology. In one of his lectures, he compared human beings to ants. He contrasted human selfishness and ambition with the insects’ drive to help their community; they’ll sacrifice their lives for the common good, if need be. Biology doesn’t get any more basic than this, and Wilson ends the lesson amid gales of laughter by raising the subject of Marxism and why it failed. “Good ideology,” he says dryly, “Wrong species.”

The Democrat Party used to be known as the party of the people. However, in my article, The Party of the People, I briefly examine the history of the Democrat Party, including its anti-Americanism and lack of fidelity to the Constitution, which refutes that label. Today, the Modern Democrat Party has become the party of leftism that hates America and of people who believe in variations of Marxism, Communism, and Socialism. Democrat Party Leaders will embrace any group they believe will help them regain and retain political power. This is especially true for Democratic Socialists. As such, for the Democrat Party, “democratic” is merely its legacy, and “socialism” is now their party’s energy.

They have also become the party of liars and deceivers, saying whatever they believe will help them get elected and misleading voters about their true intentions, while governing as leftists after they win elections. Their only principles are the acquisition and retention of political power, followed by despotism toward their opponents. They have also instituted an oligarchic structure within their party to consolidate personal power and keep their followers in line, as I have written in my collected Chirps on "Oligarchy in America".

The Democratic Party’s leftism and its variants of Marxism, Communism, and Socialism are contrary to human nature, which is why it always fails whenever and wherever it is tried. There has been no country or society throughout history in which Socialism has worked. Socialism has always led to economic ruin and human suffering, destroying the society in which it has been tried. Socialism has also displaced democratic governments, replacing them with minoritarian and authoritarian ones, to the detriment of the people within the society.

Liberties and Freedoms are contrary to leftism and its variations of Marxism, Communism, and Socialism, except the Liberties and Freedoms of which they approve. As Mark Lewis has written in his column, The Mind and Brilliance of Alexis de Tocqueville, Part One, “The only individual “liberty” the Democratic Party believes in is not true liberty, but licentiousness, and even then, it is “group” licentiousness—abortion, homosexuality, transgenderism, promiscuity, etc.”

In the 2026 mid-term elections, the American people need to reject the Democrat Party and its candidates. Otherwise, America will be transformed into a form that is antithetical to our founding ideals, ideas, and principles as I have written in my collected Chirps on "Rediscovering the American Revolution".

07/08/26 Influences on Thomas Jefferson in Writing the Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson was primarily influenced by Enlightenment philosophy, particularly the ideas of John Locke regarding natural rights and the social contract. His writing in the Declaration of Independence reflects these concepts, emphasizing individual liberties and the government's role in protecting them.

Key Influences on Thomas Jefferson

Enlightenment Philosophy

• John Locke: The most significant influence on Jefferson was John Locke, an Enlightenment philosopher. Locke's ideas about natural rights, including life, liberty, and property, shaped Jefferson's views. He adapted Locke's concepts into the Declaration of Independence, notably the phrase "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
• Social Contract: Locke's theory that governments are formed to protect individual rights and derive their authority from the consent of the governed is echoed in Jefferson's writing. This principle justified the colonies' break from British rule.

Other Influential Thinkers

• William Blackstone: His legal writings contributed to Jefferson's understanding of rights and laws, emphasizing the importance of individual freedoms.
• Thomas Paine: His pamphlet "Common Sense" galvanized public opinion for independence and underscored the need for a government that serves the people.

Historical Context

• Colonial Grievances: Jefferson was motivated by the injustices faced by the American colonists under British rule. He incorporated these grievances into the Declaration to justify the call for independence. Some of the documents he utilized in writing the Declaration of Independence were the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights (1780) and Virginia's Declaration of Rights (1776). 
• Collaborative Efforts: Jefferson worked alongside other Founding Fathers, including Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, who provided feedback and ideas that influenced the final document.

Summary of Influences

These influences collectively shaped Jefferson's vision for a new nation grounded in liberty and individual rights, as articulated in the Declaration of Independence.

More information about the writing of the Declaration may be found on the Bill of Rights Institute webpage on “Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence”.

07/09/26 Amendments to the Constitution

There are 27 amendments to the United States Constitution, with the first ten known as the Bill of Rights, ratified on December 15, 1791. The amendments cover various rights and government powers, addressing issues like freedom of speech, voting rights, and the abolition of slavery.

The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified in 1791. Here is a summary of all ratified amendments:

Unratified Amendments

There are 6 unratified amendments that have been proposed but not approved by the required number of states:

This structure highlights the significant amendments that have shaped the United States' legal framework. It is also a useful reference when discussing the Constitution, as these amendments often extend or modify the Constitution's principles. It should also be remembered that these amendments take precedence over the original text of the Constitution.

07/10/25 Rediscovering Our American Revolution Conclusion

To rediscover the meaning of the American Revolution, it is necessary to read and understand our founding and foundational documents:

• The Declaration of Independence
• The United States Constitution
• The Bill of Rights
• Other Constitutional Amendments

Additionally, I recommend the following books to help you better understand these documents:

• American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence by Pauline Maier
• The Constitution: An Introduction by Michael Stokes Paulsen and Luke Paulsen
• The Bill of Rights: The Fight to Secure America's Liberties by Carol Berkin
• The Heritage Guide to the Constitution: Fully Revised Second Edition by David F. Forte, Matthew Spalding, et al

In addition, the Founding Fathers of our Constitution—James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay—studied and read the works of French political philosopher Charles Montesquieu, namely his 1748 work “The Spirit of the Laws”, and John Locke's “Two Treatises of Government”, and applied their ideas in developing our governing system. This is similar to Thomas Jefferson's study of John Locke’s Natural Law in framing our Declaration of Independence. As such, all Americans should be aware of Montesquieu’s and Locke’s ideas to understand the meaning of the American Revolution.

In today’s turbulent political climate in America, our last best hope is to remain faithful to the ideals, ideas, and principles of our founding and foundational documents or, as President Lincoln said in his closing remarks to his 1862 State of the Union Address, “We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth.”

We should also remember the sage wisdom of President Lincoln, who said, "Don't interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties." Those who wish to fundamentally change our ideals and ideas in these documents are endangering the Liberties and Freedoms of all Americans, and their ideals and ideas are antithetical to our American Ideals and Ideas. Do not let them succeed, for if they do, we will have lost our American Revolution.