Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution

Understanding the Role and Importance of a Constitution

President Oaks explains a constitution as the foundation of government. He emphasizes the unique importance of the United States Constitution because it was revealed by God to be established for the rights and protection of all flesh. He also discusses God's purpose in establishing the Constitution, linking it to the doctrine of moral agency.

A constitution is the foundation of government. It provides structure and limits for the exercise of government powers.

The United States Constitution is unique because God revealed that He “established” it “for the rights and protection of all flesh” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:77; see also verse 80).

What was God’s purpose in establishing the United States Constitution? We see it in the doctrine of moral agency.

• What is the role of a constitution in a government?
• Why is the United States Constitution unique according to President Oaks?
• What is God's purpose in establishing the Constitution?
• How can you apply the principle of moral agency in your daily life?
• How do you see the principles of the Constitution protecting your rights and freedoms?

Identifying the Divinely Inspired Principles in the Constitution

President Oaks identifies five divinely inspired principles in the United States Constitution. These include the source of government power being the people, the division of delegated power, the separation of powers, the guarantees of individual rights, and the purpose of the Constitution to be governed by law and not by individuals.

I believe the United States Constitution contains at least five divinely inspired principles.

First is the principle that the source of government power is the people.

A second inspired principle is the division of delegated power between the nation and its subsidiary states.

Another inspired principle is the separation of powers.

A fourth inspired principle is in the cluster of vital guarantees of individual rights and specific limits on government authority in the Bill of Rights.

Fifth and finally, I see divine inspiration in the vital purpose of the entire Constitution. We are to be governed by law and not by individuals, and our loyalty is to the Constitution and its principles and processes, not to any office holder.

• What are the five divinely inspired principles in the United States Constitution as identified by President Oaks?
• How does each principle contribute to the functioning of the government and the protection of individual rights?
• How do you see these principles at work in your country's government?
• How can you uphold and defend these principles in your community and nation?

Recognizing the Challenges Faced by the Constitution

President Oaks discusses the challenges faced by the Constitution, including the dilution of the First Amendment guarantee of free speech, the pressure on the principle of separation of powers, and the diminishing stature, authority, and dignity of the Constitution due to societal trends and political actions.

Despite the divinely inspired principles of the United States Constitution, when exercised by imperfect mortals their intended effects have not always been achieved.

The First Amendment guarantee of free speech has sometimes been diluted by suppression of unpopular speech.

The principle of separation of powers has always been under pressure with the ebb and flow of one branch of government exercising or inhibiting the powers delegated to another.

The stature of the Constitution is diminished by efforts to substitute current societal trends as the reason for its founding, instead of liberty and self-government.

The authority of the Constitution is trivialized when candidates or officials ignore its principles.

The dignity and force of the Constitution is reduced by those who refer to it like a loyalty test or a political slogan, instead of its lofty status as a source of authorization for and limits on government authority.

• What are some of the challenges faced by the Constitution according to President Oaks?
• How do these challenges affect the principles and purposes of the Constitution?
• Have you observed any of these challenges in your community or nation?
• What actions can you take to help overcome these challenges and uphold the principles of the Constitution?

Upholding and Defending the Constitution as Latter-Day Saints

President Oaks emphasizes the unique responsibility of Latter-Day Saints to uphold and defend the United States Constitution and principles of constitutionalism wherever they live. He suggests various ways to exercise political influence and maintain civility and peace in the process. He also underlines the importance of refraining from judging one another in political matters.

Our belief in divine inspiration gives Latter-day Saints a unique responsibility to uphold and defend the United States Constitution and principles of constitutionalism wherever we live.

We should trust in the Lord and be positive about this nation’s future.

We should learn and advocate the inspired principles of the Constitution.

We should seek out and support wise and good persons who will support those principles in their public actions.

We should be knowledgeable citizens who are active in making our influence felt in civic affairs.

We should never assert that a faithful Latter-day Saint cannot belong to a particular party or vote for a particular candidate.

We teach correct principles and leave our members to choose how to prioritize and apply those principles on the issues presented from time to time.

• What responsibility do Latter-Day Saints have in upholding and defending the Constitution according to President Oaks?
• What are some ways that Latter-Day Saints can exercise their political influence?
• How can you uphold and defend the principles of the Constitution in your community and nation?
• How can you exercise your political influence in a civil and peaceful manner?