The Delicate Balance of Powers

Floor Speech

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, today is the 226th anniversary of the signing of one of the most important documents in world history.

A lot of us talk about the Constitution, and talk about it often; but sometimes we forget the ground-breaking influence of that document and the fact that that very document was written by the States to create the Federal Government and not the other way around.

It has provided the basis for our representative Republic; it has provided the foundation for our government; and it has had a lasting influence across the world. In various corners of the globe, our Constitution has served as a model for other countries as they strove to build their governments and to make liberty and freedom for their citizens one of their first priorities.

Today's anniversary marks the spot where history diverged from the history of colonial rule and forged a path based on the rule of law and the rights of individuals. I hope that everyone takes a moment to reflect on the enormous insights of our Founders in creating this document.

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