Andrew Farmer: The spirit of “We the people” is alive and well in Tennessee

Andrew Farmer, Tennessee State Representative District 17

For nearly two and a half centuries, the United States Constitution has stood as the cornerstone of our Republic.

It has guided our nation, protected liberty, restrained government and ensured that power remains in the hands of the people where it belongs.

Each year, our nation observes Constitution Week during the week of Sept. 17 to remind us of the enduring promise of freedom, self-government and the rule of law that has guided us.

Our responsibility is not only to celebrate the Constitution but to defend it.

Here in Tennessee, we take that responsibility seriously. From protecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens to ensuring the First Amendment freedoms of religion, speech and assembly are never trampled. Republicans in our state have worked to uphold the liberties guaranteed by the Constitution.

The Tennessee General Assembly has also enacted several pieces of legislation affirming the Tenth Amendment, which is clear that powers not granted to the federal government are reserved to the states and to the people. In Tennessee, we know that liberty is best preserved when decisions are made closest to the people, not dictated by unelected bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.

Progressive voices argue that the Constitution is outdated, when in truth it is as relevant today as it was in 1789. The Founding Fathers designed a system of checks and balances to guard against tyranny and safeguard individual liberty. This principle of federalism was not an afterthought; it was intended to be the core of our Republic. The Founding Fathers understood that freedom must be preserved in the face of government overreach.

Yet, we’ve seen Washington attempt to undermine this principle throughout our nation’s history by enacting sweeping regulations handed down by agencies with no accountability to voters. Or when Congress has coerced states with federal dollars tied to mandates that undermine our values. We’ve seen it in attempts to override Tennessee’s laws on issues like health care, education, firearms and family policy.

President Donald Trump deserves tremendous credit for advancing the vision of our Founding Fathers. Through his appointment of constitutionalist judges, including three U.S. Supreme Court justices, he has helped restore the proper balance between the federal government and the states. His leadership reaffirms that the government is not meant to dictate every aspect of American life and that the people, through their states, must remain the true guardians of liberty. His efforts have strengthened our nation.

Parents deserve a voice in their children’s education. Small businesses should be free to grow without being crushed by burdensome regulations. Every citizen should have the right to worship freely, protect their families and speak their minds without fear of government interference. These are not partisan political positions; they are fundamental constitutional principles.

As we celebrate Constitution Week, let us renew our pledge to defend these freedoms. We must teach the next generation not only what the Constitution says, but why it matters. It has guided our nation, protected liberty, restrained government, and ensured that power remains in the hands of the people.

In Tennessee, we will continue to protect the rights of our citizens and honor the legacy of those who fought and sacrificed to secure the freedoms we cherish today.

The spirit of “We the people” remains alive and well in Tennessee. May it continue to guide our great nation for generations to come.

Andrew Farmer serves as chair of the House Judiciary Committee for the Tennessee House of Representatives. He represents District 17, which includes part of Jefferson and Sevier counties.