Dear Fellow Patriot,  

I believe Abraham Lincoln was correct. I believe that the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution go hand in hand - one begets the other. 

After all, what do our elected representatives and our men and women in the armed forces swear to protect? They swear to protect the U. S. Constitution - because the Constitution protects you and me and the principles that are inherent in the Declaration of Independence.

This is why as we say "Happy 4th of July," we, at Constituting America, also say "Happy Constitution Day," on September 17th. For without the Constitution, our Declaration and the blood shed during our Revolutionary War would be for naught. 

Your inalienable rights such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, along with your rights to free speech, freedom of religion, press, assembly, petition, habeas corpus, your right to bear arms, the protection of your property and home all depend on the these two documents.

If they are dismantled or forgotten your rights are guaranteed to follow.

This is why we at Constituting America are passionately concerned about maintaining the dignity of these documents and promoting the awareness of their vital importance.  

But we can't do it without your help. We need your continuing support. 

Many people across America are either not engaged or not educated about the reasons why the Declaration of Independence and the U.S Constitution are relevant today. 

• They are not aware their rights are given to them by Nature's God, not government, (for if government gives us our rights, then government can take them away). 

• Many people are not aware that the separation of the branches of government and the checks upon the power of the three branches are essential to preserving our rights. 

• Many people are not aware that with every regulation that is passed by an unelected bureaucrat - who is unaccountable to you and me, to them - there is a weakening of their voice and opinion, there is a threat to self-government.  

What do Americans love? How do Americans spend their pastime? They spend it with music, movies and television. 

So we have a contest where the entrants make their own short films, write and sing their own songs, and write and direct their own commercials (PSA's) about how the Constitution is relevant today. Watch an 8 minute clip of this year's winners below.  I guarantee you will be inspired.  

(It is not too late to enter! Entries must be postmarked no later than July 5th!)

8 Minute "Behind the Scenes" Video of Constituting America's We The People 9.17 2012 Winners Trip to Philadelphia

We also have an annual study of the U.S. Constitution. This year's was about the classics that inspired the Constitution and the challenges it has faced and faces today. It included letters, with a professor's interpretation, on papers and inspirations from Aristotle, Cicero, Washington, Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln, to challenges from Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and FDR, ending with the renewed Constitutional vigor of Ronald Reagan. Click here to check it out! 

Only with a enlightened populace can our Republic survive, can our freedoms remain intact. Only with an engaged citizenry can our founding documents remain prevalent and our country be saved. You are one of these engaged citizens and I thank you for your service.

Benjamin Franklin was asked by a woman, as he walked out of Independence Hall, what form of government had he given them. He replied, "A Republic ma'am, if you can keep it."

It is truly up to you and me. You can make a difference. You already have.  

Please visit our website to learn more about our important work. And please support us today. 

God bless and Happy 4th of July! Happy Constitution Day, too.