Framers' Corner: James Madison

On Saturday, October 15, the people
of Iraq went to the polls to vote on a new constitution. As we witness the Iraqi achieve this monumental and historic milestone in the history of their nation, and indeed their entire region, it is important to reflect upon its connection with our own journey.
When our nation was first conceived in liberty, it too was looked upon both with skepticism and curiosity. Emperors and kings in distant Europe scoffed at the idea that the people could (and should) govern themselves. Today, many share the same skepticism for Iraq. They scoff at the idea that Arab Muslims can see beyond ethnic and religious differences and embrace democracy.
But let us reflect upon the words, spoken by many, but perhaps most eloquently stated by our chief framer, James Madison, in a letter dated 1831: “We owe it to ourselves, and to the world, to watch, to cherish, and as far as possible, to perfect a new modification of the powers of Government, which aims at the better security against external danger and internal disorder, a better provision for national strength and individual rights, than had been exemplified under any previous form.” If the Iraqis embrace this sentiment, it will not only affect their own destiny, but also the region and, indeed, the world.