Tag: #Bill of Rights

James Madison

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James Madison is called the Father Of The Constitution

James Madison:

Father Of The Constitution

D. S. Mitchell

Fourth President of the United States

James Madison stood 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighed only 100 pounds, as a grown man. He had a sickly childhood. Although medically undetermined, his condition bore a resemblance to epilepsy. Due to his soft speech he was often difficult to hear and understand. Despite his physical limitations, Madison became the fourth president of the United States. During his two term tenure he led America through the War of 1812. The War of 1812 was America’s first war as an independent nation. Madison’s actions during the war established the  fledgling country as a force on the world stage.

“Father” of the Constitution

James Madison co-wrote the U.S. Constitution. So many of Madison’s ideas were incorporated into the Constitution that he is credited as being the “father” of the Constitution. He was a man of great intellect and accomplishment. His  life was characterized by hard work and humility. He was born March 16, 1751. Madison like all men was not perfect. But, it is important to remember he dedicated the entirety of  his life to the service to his country and it’s people.

Ground Breaking Political Philosophy

Madison is recognized as the Father of the Constitution

The U. S. Constitution.

To muster support for the new Constitution, Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, co-wrote 85 letters to the public. These public letters explained the political philosophy underpinning the new Constitution. The papers in effect  defended each of its provisions. These public letters are known as “The Federalist Papers”. Without the “Federalist Papers” the Constitution would never have been ratified. Today, these documents are recognized as some of the most important declarations of political philosophy ever written.

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OPINION: Protecting Freedom Of The Press

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OPINION:

Protecting Freedom of the Press

“Freedom of the press or freedom of the media is the principle that communication and expression through various media, including printed and electronic media, especially published materials, should be considered a right to be exercised freely”. Wikipedia

By D.S. Mitchell, Jones William & David Shadrick

Bill Of Rights

The “right of the public to know” is among the fundamental principles of the American ideology. Freedom of the press is that guarantee.  Citizens in colonial times were allowed to print or say anything they wanted without censorship. Sounds like freedom of the press. The government, however,  could then prosecute you for what you said using the Seditious Libel law as their basis. The British government appointed Colonial officials to govern the English colonies. Those “colonial officials” made it common practice to punish the press for what they found inflammatory or negative to the crown. As friction grew and colonists increased resistance to British rule more than 1200 cases were brought against colonists for speaking their mind publicly, or in the press. Freedom of the press did not exist.

Madison Steps Up

After winning the Revolutionary war, the framer’s of the proposed Constitution met to define what free speech and other basic freedoms would actually be under United States law.  James Madison was assigned the task. His ideals would form the first ten amendments of the Constitution. British restrictions and unfair laws were still fresh in Madison’s mind. He had a core principle belief in freedom of the press and access to information. A government that allowed for an unrestrained and healthy flow of information must be guaranteed.

The First Amendment

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” That protection guaranteed by the First Amendment of the constitution meant that every American, poor or rich, regardless of religious or political belief could say or publish anything he or she wished without control by the federal government. Madison had protected free speech and freedom of the press.

Publish At Your Own Risk

In the early days, the media consisted of printing presses, pamphlets, newspapers and books. Today, it also includes magazines, radio, films, television, video and the internet. Therefore, the press means any news functioning in any media. Essentially, the free media is a watchdog to inquire and report on government misconduct. It also is a spirited marketplace of ideas, a channel for common citizens to express themselves and gain knowledge on a range of opinions and information. There is an undisputed right to put what sentiments that pleases an individual before the public. That is freedom of the press. If a person publishes  what is later deemed mischievous, illegal, improper, or “secret” he will be subjected to the consequences of his foolish audacity,  and a free speech defense is worthless.

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