The Rule of Law is Our Strength
by Santiago Garcia, 2nd Place Winner, Junior Category
The United States was founded on the notion that no one is above the law. Our nation has expressed this throughout its history, starting with our separation from Britain and the Declaration of Independence. When this document was written, our founding fathers made sure to state their grievances and thoughts on how King George III was breaking the law. Years later, the Constitution established a system to remove leaders who fail to follow the law. It also empowered the people’s house to change unjust laws, ensuring the legal system remains accountable to the public. Then, from the North’s victory in the Civil War through the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, there was legislation and landmark court decisions that ensured the law covered everyone and that no person is above another, regardless of race, skin tone, or ethnicity. All of this shows that throughout our nation's evolution, we have upheld the principle that not one man is above the law.
With this very thought in mind, we have managed to preserve some form of the American dream, which is why so many people from around the world want to come here. Many leaders across the world have rejected this idea by taking full power, while some have oppressed their people by doing just that. That is why America still has the dream today: from the boy in rural Arkansas who would go on to found Walmart, to the girl in Los Angeles who would go on to be the first American woman in space, and to the boy in Hawaii who would go on to be the nation's first Black president. These individuals didn’t succeed because of who they knew, but because our legal system created a fair chance, where hard work actually matters more than status. That is why so many are willing to go through the immense process to come to this great nation. They see how the rule of law in our nation creates prosperity and opportunity, even in our diverse society. They see how people born here can live their lives the way they want. That is why, despite all the challenges, the American Dream lives on.
The rule of law has protected the people from cheaters and those who wish to prey on them. The law ensures we all follow the same ground rules as our neighbors, which is why it discourages fraud. The law prevents businesses from exploiting consumers and ensures a fair, competitive workplace.
The rule of law has proven to be one of our greatest strengths. It is our protection while making sure no person is above another. That is why, throughout American history, the rule of law has given us prosperity and hope.
