Documents that Shaped American Civilization by Apollonia

Documents that Shaped American Civilization by Apollonia - August 2015 Scholarship Essay

As we face a new era of America, we are experiencing a divide in this country due to the lack of knowledge in American history. As citizens of this wonderful nation, we owe it to ourselves to have a clear and concise knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. These documents shaped America into the land of the free and the home of the brave, and it is our right to know what each of these documents mean in great detail so that we have the freedoms and the rights we have earned at citizens.

With that being said, adding a class in high schools that solely discuss these documents would be greatly needed in today’s society. This class can prepare high school students to stand up for their own rights and independence. We should be proud to live in America, and having the knowledge of the foundation of this country will give students the reminder that our freedoms are not free. There has been years of sacrifice and lives lost to live the way we do today, and those sacrifices should never be forgotten. Most importantly, as citizens, we should thoroughly know our freedoms and rights because no deserves the right to ever take them away from us.

If the schools give the students the wherewithal of their constitutional rights, it gives them the power to defend themselves. We can also help stand against the politicians who thrive off of America’s ignorance for their own personal agendas. If this class was accepted into high schools all over the country, maybe students would have more of an interest in politics and would get more involved in government. They would have less focus on celebrities and the media while concentrating on current events and social issues.

Let us be proud to be Americans again, and by reinforcing how great this country really is can give us the unity and pride we need. Teachers are our role models in school and by giving us the knowledge of our rights, they will inspire the future leaders of America…our youth.