American Principle Three: Upholding the Traditional Family Is Paramount
"laying its foundation on such principles
and organizing its powers
in such form, as to them shall seem
most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
Declaration of Independence
Protecting the traditional family as a distinct institution is among the highest priorities for a nation's laws. This historic arrangement has proven overwhelmingly to be the best setting for raising children to live healthy, responsible and productive lives (Genesis 2:23-24).
"That government is instituted and ought to be exercised for the benefit of the people; which consists in the enjoyment of life and liberty, and generally of pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety" (James Madison in the first session of the US Congress, proposing the Bill of Rights amendments be added to the Constitution of the United States).
James Madison
1751-1836
Fourth President of the United States,
key author of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights
"The most important consequence of marriage is, that the husband and wife become in law only one person" (James Wilson, Natural Rights of Marriage, 1792, teachingamericanhistory.org).
James Wilson
1742-1798
Signer of the Declaration of Independence, twice member of the
Continental Congress, one of six original Supreme Court justices
appointed by George Washington