Why the Constitution Still Matters in the Age of Social Media

A Critical Examination of the Article: "America's Constitution Is Sacred. Is It Also the Biggest Threat to Our Politics?"

Jennifer Szalai's article in The New York Times, titled "America's Constitution Is Sacred. Is It Also the Biggest Threat to Our Politics?" presents a flawed and, frankly, misguided critique of the United States Constitution. The piece posits that the Constitution, rather than being the foundation of our democracy, is a relic that now threatens modern governance. This perspective not only misinterprets the historical context of the Constitution but also underestimates the role social media plays today in defending our constitutional rights and holding those who push anti-American narratives, like Szalai, accountable.

Historical Context Misinterpreted and Misrepresented

From the outset, Szalai mischaracterizes the Constitution's origins, reducing it to a mere product of compromises with slaveholders and implying its primary function was to protect a privileged minority. This view shows a lack of understanding of the document's creation and ignores its broader revolutionary intent. The Constitution was groundbreaking in establishing a system of governance based on checks and balances, individual liberties, and federalism—principles that have endured and evolved to safeguard freedom across centuries.

Unsurprisingly, Szalai, a Canadian-born liberal, lacks a deep appreciation for these foundational principles. Her foreign perspective might contribute to her failure to grasp the Constitution's importance in American life and its role in promoting liberty and democracy worldwide. Suppose if journalists did their research these days. In that case, they might understand that the Constitution wasn't just a compromise—it was a radical experiment in self-government that has inspired countless democratic movements globally.

The Electoral College: A Safeguard, Not a Flaw

Szalai's critique of the Electoral College as an undemocratic institution is another example of her misunderstanding of American governance. The Electoral College is not a relic but a safeguard designed to balance the influence of populous and less populated states, ensuring that all regions have a voice in presidential elections. The Founding Fathers understood the dangers of pure democracy, where majority rule could easily turn into mob rule, suppressing minority rights.

By focusing solely on the popular vote, Szalai ignores the genius of a federalist system that protects against the "tyranny of the majority." The Electoral College and equal representation in the Senate are not flaws; they are essential features of a republic that values regional diversity and equitable representation. This is where social media plays a crucial role—amplifying voices from all corners of the nation ensures that perspectives from both urban centers and rural communities are heard, thus upholding the spirit of the Constitution.

Constitutional Stability as a Bedrock of Democracy

Szalai's argument that the Constitution's difficulty to amend is a flaw ignores the importance of stability and continuity in governance. She frames this stability as an obstacle to progress, but it is a safeguard against the erratic impulses of transient political trends. The Constitution's amendment process ensures that only changes with widespread, bipartisan support are implemented, preserving the document's integrity while allowing for necessary evolution.

In this context, social media serves as a modern platform for debate and consensus-building, embodying the First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly. It allows Americans to voice their opinions, mobilize support for constitutional amendments, and resist changes that could undermine their rights. Platforms like X and Facebook have become digital public squares where constitutional debates play out, ensuring the citizenry thoroughly vets any calls for amendment.

Judicial Interpretation and the Misrepresentation of Originalism

Szalai's attack on originalism—a legal philosophy that interprets the Constitution based on the understanding of its framers—reveals a profound misunderstanding of judicial restraint. Originalism is not about conservatism or activism but fidelity to the text and the rule of law. By ensuring that judges interpret laws rather than create them, originalism preserves the Constitution's role as a stable foundation for governance.

Social media platforms have become critical tools in highlighting judicial decisions and holding judges accountable to constitutional principles. When courts overreach or appear to stray from constitutional intent, social media users—often legal experts, journalists, and ordinary citizens—can swiftly mobilize to critique such actions. This democratizes constitutional interpretation, ensuring that power remains with the people.

The Role of Social Media in Upholding Constitutional Reverence

Szalai criticizes what she calls "Constitution worship," arguing that it prevents progress. Yet, this reverence is not blind adherence but a recognition of the Constitution as the cornerstone of American democracy. Social media has played a vital role in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Constitution, making its teachings accessible to a global audience. Hashtags like #WeThePeople and #ConstitutionDay trend regularly, demonstrating the document's ongoing relevance and veneration.

When figures like Szalai push narratives that are fundamentally anti-American, questioning the very basis of our freedoms, social media serves as a powerful counterbalance. It provides a platform for Americans to challenge these views, defend their constitutional rights, and engage in informed debate. The Constitution remains a living document, and its principles are continually defended in the digital realm, where citizens actively participate in its preservation.

Jennifer Szalai's article reflects a narrow, alarmist view that fails to appreciate the Constitution's enduring strength and relevance. It's not the Constitution threatening American democracy but the misunderstanding and misrepresentation of its principles. Social media has become a vital tool in defending our constitutional rights and countering narratives that seek to undermine the American way of life.

Rather than calling for the Constitution's abandonment or radical revision, we should focus on fostering a deeper understanding of its principles in the digital age. This enduring document, far from being a threat, is the bedrock of our democracy, protecting our freedoms against all forms of tyranny. As Americans debate robustly on social media and other platforms, they uphold the Constitution's spirit, ensuring it remains a beacon of freedom and justice for future generations.

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I am an Ad-Age, Emmy, Shorty, Telly, and Webby Award-Winning Social Media Strategist and Content Creator specializing in outdoor lifestyle, adventure, travel, and recreation brands. With nearly 20 years of experience crafting compelling digital stories, I have driven the success of numerous outdoor lifestyle, food & beverage brands and television series. My expertise lies in creating engaging content that resonates with audiences, fostering strong online communities, and bringing innovative storytelling techniques to the forefront of social media strategy.