In the current landscape of American politics, we are constantly drawn into a battle between two dominant parties, Republicans and Democrats. The media, politicians, and pundits alike often portray our choices as binary: support one side or the other. But this dichotomy does not reflect the heart of what America truly is. I do not want Republicans to win. I do not want Democrats to win. I do not want a one-party rule where either political party holds absolute control over our government and, by extension, over our lives. What I truly want is for Americans to win. Americans win when the Constitution wins.
Our Constitution was not designed to favor one faction over another, nor was it crafted to give one person or party control over all decisions. The beauty of our system of government lies in its foundation: a system that guarantees every citizen a voice. This fundamental principle has been upheld for over two centuries. Yet, today, it seems our voices are drowned out by partisan politics, special interests, and, perhaps most alarmingly, by a media landscape that increasingly shapes how we see our political leaders and issues. Today’s media is a filter, selectively amplifying specific perspectives while diminishing others. What we know—or think we know—about the state of our nation and its leaders is largely the narrative they provide. Unless we invest the time to deeply research on our own, the information we receive is curated, and this distorts not only our perception of the issues but the freedom and liberty of our vote.
The right to vote is sacred in our republic. It is a way for citizens to express their will and participate in shaping the country’s future. But if what we know is manipulated or presented through a biased lens, the integrity of that vote becomes compromised. A vote cast under the influence of misinformation or limited understanding is a vote that does not truly reflect the informed choice of the citizen. This distortion of information can ultimately undermine the very essence of democratic freedom.
Every American citizen deserves to be heard, and their desires and needs should be honored as much as possible within the larger framework of our democratic republic. The Constitution provides every American with as much freedom and liberty as possible so long as it respects the freedoms of others within society. Thomas Jefferson once said, “The government closest to the people serves the people best.” This sentiment rings truer now than ever. The American experiment was designed to empower individuals, not to suppress them under the weight of governmental control or the distortion of media narratives.
If you are progressive and wish to live your life in a way that reflects your beliefs about climate change, you should have the freedom to do so without restriction. Likewise, if you are conservative and wish to live your life without what you consider unnecessary regulations, that, too should be your right. This is not about forcing one worldview upon another; it is about preserving the right of every individual to make their own choices. It is about protecting the liberty that America was founded upon.
Freedom is the cornerstone of our great nation. From the very moment the Declaration of Independence was signed, the idea of individual liberty was enshrined as the core of American identity. “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness,” as Jefferson penned them, are not just words; they are a promise to every citizen that they have the right to live their lives as they see fit.
However, as we know, the Constitution, in its early days, was not always applied as it should have been. The ideals of liberty and equality were inconsistently upheld, particularly when it came to issues of race and civil rights. But even in its imperfections, the Constitution laid the groundwork for change. As soon as the Constitution came into being, it became a powerful tool in the fight against injustice, including the long struggle against racism and racial disparity. From the abolition of slavery to the civil rights movements of the 20th century, the Constitution was the instrument through which Americans could demand equality and justice. It did not achieve this perfectly or immediately, but it provided the legal and moral framework that allowed the nation to confront its deepest flaws.
Now, in this election cycle, we face new challenges that threaten the structure and principles the Constitution was meant to protect. There are some who seek to change the very structure of our judicial system to suit their personal political goals. They would choose for the Supreme Court to act based on the will special interest groups rather than the guidelines of Constitutional law. By adding more justices to the Supreme Court in an attempt to shift its ideological balance, these individuals undermine the independence of the judiciary, one of the critical safeguards of our democracy. This is referred to as “packing the court.” Altering the court for short-term political gain is a dangerous precedent, one that weakens the checks and balances that have kept our government accountable to the people.
Others aim to amend the Constitution itself but not extend the liberties it guarantees. Instead, these efforts would reduce Americans’ protections while increasing the federal government’s power. By centralizing more authority in Washington, they would diminish the very freedoms the Constitution was designed to protect.
Still others push for an ever-expanding government, advocating for more and more government programs. While these initiatives may seem beneficial on the surface, the reality is that a larger government becomes more cumbersome and less accountable. As the government grows, so too does its need for resources. This means taking more from the people—through taxes and regulations—to fund an ever-increasing number of programs. A government that grows beyond its intended scope becomes less of a servant to the people and more of a burden. As Ronald Reagan once said, “Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.”
Our founding fathers were acutely aware of the dangers posed by tyranny, whether from an oppressive king or a government too powerful. They believed that liberty could only be preserved if the government remained accountable to the people it served, not to political factions or elites. This is why our nation was designed as a republic, not a pure democracy. A democracy, as James Madison warned, can quickly devolve into “the tyranny of the majority,” where the will of the majority tramples on the rights of the minority. In a republic, however, the rights of all citizens are protected, and every voice can be heard—whether that voice belongs to a liberal living on the West Coast or a conservative residing in the heart of the Midwest. The purpose of government is to create a space where we can all coexist, regardless of political affiliation, religion, or personal beliefs. That is the true American way.
Our nation has faced many trials throughout its history. Yet through it all, our Constitution has remained the guiding light. It ensures that no one group or person can seize complete control, no matter how powerful. This balance has allowed our country to thrive for over 240 years. As Abraham Lincoln once said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” If we continue allowing ourselves to be divided along party lines, we risk losing the foundation that makes America strong.
Instead of fighting for the triumph of one party or another, we must remember the greater good: the triumph of America itself. We must protect the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and ensure that every citizen’s voice is valued, not just in the promises of politicians but in action! America is not meant to be a land of division; it is meant to be a land of freedom, where individuals are empowered to make their own choices. When we preserve that freedom and allow every American to live their life according to their values, then, and only then, do we truly win.
In the end, the goal is not for Republicans to win or Democrats to win. The goal is for Americans to win. Americans win when freedom wins, when the Constitution wins when every voice is heard, and when every right is protected. That is the America we should all strive to create. When you vote, the ultimate question is not which person you like, which personality is the best, or which person makes you feel better or worse – the question is which one of these people will protect, defend, and preserve the Constitution of the United States of America.
Sources:
- https://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/government-best-which-governs-least-spurious-quotation
- https://billofrightsinstitute.org/primary-sources/federalist-no-10
- https://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/house.htm
- https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/research/speeches/40683e
