Two concepts in the first line of Preamble to our US Constitution form the cornerstones of what the American experiment means - government by “We the People” and the ideal of “a More Perfect Union.”

These radical concepts highlight the tension between notions of liberty, freedom, justice, and responsibility.

The genius of the Constitution, though flawed in many ways, is that it has truly allowed for experimentation, growth and accommodation over 230+ years - witnessing ever-changing shifts in the balance between protecting liberty while allowing for effective government; freedom tempered by personal responsibility; democracy moderated by stability; and convenience and expediency paused by justice.

The Constitution asks every American to reach, act, and think beyond ourselves to envision and perpetually strive for that More Perfect Union for We, the People.

In these turbulent times, the Constitution has never been more relevant. And no time more pressing to understand our fundamental rights, charters, and norms. As Americans, we are each called to participate in our grand experiment.

As James Madison wrote, ““knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.”