The Making of America

This book “The Making of America” is an enjoyable read.  The writing style is such that you find yourself seeking more information of which the text has supplied ample sources of corroborating reference material.  The book was authored by W. Cleon Skousen several years ago.  Though the book was written several years ago the information contained therein is as relevant today as it was then.

The Making of America begins with a biographical delineation of the man, Thomas Jefferson who discovered the principles behind America’s great awakening of freedom.  The book then follows the path that the American Founding Father’s took in their search for a workable governmental system that would protect the freedom of the populous.

 
Background Information of America’s Formation

 
Cleon Skousen in writing the book wanted to show what writings had influenced America’s Founding Fathers to opt for a governmental system that had never been fully implemented before in all of man’s history.  During the Revolutionary War the colonies were governed by the Articles of Confederation which proved to be deficient not providing sufficient authority to the central government.  The founding fathers were fearful of the abuses that are inevitable from an all powerful central authority.  Strengthening of the central government was done slowly after much thought, discussion and deliberation.

The Why & Hows of Capitalism

America’s great renaissance of prosperity and freedom is the result of multiple factors all coming together at the same time.  Adam Smith published “Wealth of Nations” at around the same time period the Founding Fathers were working to frame America’s political and economic system.  The Founding Fathers adopted Adam Smith’s premise thereby directing free men to trade freely among themselves.  Dr. Skousen in his book “The Making of America” uses this part of history to explain capitalism along with why capitalism works.  Free men given the freedom to own property, freedom to try or fail has created the greatest era of prosperity known to mankind.

 
Dissection of the U. S. Constitution

Cleon Skousen then continues with a detailed dissection of the U. S. Constitution using writings of the Founders individually as well as information recorded in the “Federalist Papers.”  The Making of America tells how the U. S. Constitution is unique from all previous governing documents in that it SECURES the rights and powers of the people.

 
Recap – The Making of America

Most books covering legal matters are boring difficult to read and understand.  Dr. Skousen has delved into the constitution uncovering the principles behind the included clauses within the constitution bringing the document alive.  This fact accompanied with his unique writing style makes “The Making of America” an easy enjoyable read for both young and old.  Historical background information provides color to an otherwise dry subject matter.

The book has a very enticing manner that invites the reader to personally delve deeper into the subject.  I have found this quality unique to many of Cleon Skousen’s books.  As an introduction to understanding America’s constitution this book cannot be beat.  It provides the historical background as well as the principles encompassed within this great legal document.

George Washington – A Case of Character Part 3

In response to the Stamp Act of 1765 John Adams said:

…liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people who have a right from the frame of their nature to knowledge, as their Creator who does nothing in vain, has given them understanding and a desire to know. But besides this they have a right, an indisputable, unalienable, indefeasible divine right to the most dreaded and envied kind of knowledge, I mean of the characters and conduct of their rulers.

I’ve often heard it said that what we need in Washington are men and women of character, people like George Washington. While I agree with this statement I am concerned that “We The People” are not doing what it takes to measure the character of our elected officials. After all if you and I don’t do this, who will?

Here are some simple steps that enable one to judge the character of their lawmakers:

1. Be aware of major laws proposed by Congress

2. Express your opinion to our elected officials and ask them for their position

3. Check their response against their voting record

4. Hold them accountable for consistently adhering to sound principle

a. This means you must be educated on principles of morality and sound economic and social governance

5. Prepare future generations by teaching them our moral obligation to God, family

and country. Do this in your homes, schools (we’ll teach you how we can do this here as well), churches, community organizations etc.

While this may seem overwhelming at first glance, there are some simple ways you can begin this process. I assure you that it is an investment that we owe ourselves, our progenitors and our children.

Liberty is Priceless.

Let us at the Thomas Jefferson Center assist you in learning to appreciate, love, value and defend the rich heritage of this great country so that we can select people of great moral character to represent us. Allow us to teach the principles of the Constitution so that together we can preserve a great nation. The results will astound you and your attitude for America will go from despair to hope!

Make Sure to Visit The Healing of America Education Series for details on the courses that we have available.

Why Study the Constitution along with the U. S. Success Formula?

To answer this question I call upon the great Statesman Thomas Jefferson who had this to say concerning the Constitution:

“We owe every other sacrifice to ourselves, to our federal brethren, AND TO THE WORLD AT LARGE, to pursue with temper and perseverance the great experiment which shall prove that man is capable of living in society, governing itself by laws self-imposed, and securing to its members the enjoyment of life, liberty, property, and peace; and further show, that even when the government of its choice shall manifest a tendency to degeneracy, we are not at once to despair, but that the will and the watchfulness of its sounder parts will reform its aberrations, recall it to original and legitimate principles and restrain it within the rightful limits of self government.”

How can we expect to accomplish this with out at least a basic understanding of the principles of self-government? The Thomas Jefferson Center
classes inspired by the late Dr. W. Cleon Skousen’s Miracle of America Course will walk you through these principles.

Listen to Dr. Skousen tell the story of Eldridge Cleaver, a former Black Panther, as an illustration of the impact of both ignoring these
principles and later embracing them. You’ll also hear Eldridge Cleaver express regret that he was not taught these principles earlier in life.