The U.S. Constitution is a specification for the design of a republic. It establishes specific powers and duties for governments on the Federal and State level as well as restrictions upon those powers regarding the protection of human rights. It defines the basic framework of a self-sustaining form of democratic governance, with the assumption that future needs would be addressed through future legislation, crafted through the mechanism defined in this founding document.

The Constitution is a nuanced and imperfect document. Like most old documents the modern reader must take it in with due appreciation for the biases and cultural assumptions of the authors. Some slaveholders, all landowners, most certain that women were not fit to vote. Fortunately, the founders provided a mechanism whereby future citizens could update the Constitution with the improved understanding of each generation.

Through such amendments, slavery has been largely abolished, the right to vote has been extended to most citizens 18 years of age or over (some states forbiding the vote to ex-convicts), and Members of Congress are no longer allowed to increase their own salaries, although they can increase the salaries of the next Congress. Today's Constitution better reflects the cultural attitudes and ethic of the modern citizen but there is still much to be done if our Constitutional Republic is to reflect the values and provide for the righteous needs of all residents of this great experiment in democracy.

The Constitution was written by wise men of the Eighteenth Century based upon their understanding of politics, ethics and history. One may find the influence of Solon, the ancient Athenian lawgiver, in the legal system that the Constitution frames. The innovative third branch defining the Judiciary was controversial since in England all judges represented The Crown. Many founders assumed that our government would have only two branches with the Judiciary under the Executive branch. In the end, the innovators prevailed and the U.S was provided an independent judiciary capable of impartially trying any Executive Branch offender.

With this reading we bring this founding document to the forefront of our attention and remind ourselves of its unique architecture and of our responsibility to militate for its constant improvement and consistent application.

This audio Constitution is in mp3 format and will play on any competent mp3 player.

Julian