The U.S. Constitution is one of the most influential documents in history. Signed into law 237 years ago on September 17, the Constitution established the framework for a government focused on protecting individual freedoms and set the foundation for a nation full of opportunity.
In today’s world, the Constitution continues on as the foundation for protecting the rights and voices of the people. Since the signing of the Constitution, the federal government and its agencies have grown in power. American voters aren’t oblivious to the threat of powerful government leaders that ignore the voice of the people.
If the U.S. Constitution were to be amended, 59% say it should be changed to place further restrictions on the federal government, including majorities of both Republicans (67%) and Democrats (52%). A Napolitan News Service Survey of 1,000 registered voters found that just 20% say it should be changed to give more power to the federal government. This survey was conducted August 26-27, 2024.
While an amendment to restrict the federal government could protect individual freedom, an even greater threat to the voice of the people are the government agencies put in place by the federal government, who have no accountability to the governed.
Voters should be leery of allowing the federal government to continue to give power to government agencies who have expanded their ability to issue legally binding regulations without approval from Congress. Sixty percent (60%) of voters say they would favor requiring Congress to approve major regulations proposed by government agencies before they can take effect. Twenty-eight percent (28%) opposed requiring Congressional approval (January 22-23, 2024). The stronger these government agencies become, the greater the threat is to the voice and power of the people.
Our government was set up to be a government for the people, with checks and balances put in place to ensure that no one person or party would rule. The federal government and government agencies must remember to whom they are accountable, and to which voices they should be listening to.
We would all do well to remember the cautionary words of Benjamin Franklin after signing the Constitution. When asked about what kind of government had been created he famously stated, “A Republic, if you can keep it.”
This Napolitan News Service survey of 1,000 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on August 26-27, 2024. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc.
