Has the US Constitution Been Violated Throughout Its History?

Throughout its long and complex history, the United States has faced numerous instances where the rights guaranteed by the US Constitution have been violated. This article delves into some of these significant instances and examines why such violations occur.

Religious Rights and the First Amendment

Today, religious groups are increasingly working to violate the rights protected by the First Amendment. However, it is important to note a stark historical precursor to such attempts. In 1932, during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency, Executive Order 6119 ordered the US Army to forcefully disband the Bonus Army, a group of thousands of veterans and their families who were peacefully protesting for the promised bonuses. General George Marshall, who succeeded General John J. Pershing, was in charge and despite assurances from General Mark Milley in 2019, the army violently dispersed the protesters, clearly violating their First Amendment rights.

The Second Amendment and Violations at the State Level

The Second Amendment, which guarantees the right to bear arms, has been under scrutiny in many states and municipalities. There have been numerous cases where this right has been restricted or infringed upon. For example, in certain cities, gun control measures have been put in place, which some argue violate the spirit of the Second Amendment.

Government Actions and Civil Rights

Arriving at the crux of this discussion, the 1970s saw the establishment of the Church Committee, which investigated government surveillance and abuses of power. This committee revealed numerous instances where civil rights were violated. For example, during World War I, President Woodrow Wilson imprisoned nearly 650 American citizens, stripped their citizenship, and exiled them based on supposed loyalty fears. Fast forward to World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt interned approximately 140,000 Japanese Americans, and in World War I, over 30,000 German Americans were also interned without trial.

Moreover, in 1861, President Abraham Lincoln imprisoned over 2,000 members of the Maryland Legislature without trial, mainly to prevent the state from seceding from the Union. The infamous Tuskegee Syphilis Study involving thousands of Black Americans demonstrates another clear violation of rights, particularly ethical standards.

Modern Examples and Constitutional Enforcements

In recent times, the White House has been involved in snooping programs, such as those conducted with Verizon and ATT, where telecom data was surrendered to the FBI and numerous other agencies. These actions not only infringe on Fourth Amendment rights but also reflect a broader concern about constitutional violations.

It is crucial to recognize that while the Constitution lists the rights that are already inherent, they must be followed and enforced to be fully realized in practice. The need for continuous vigilance and action to prevent such violations is paramount, as seen in the ongoing struggles for civil rights and equality.