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Category: Road to Independence

  • Who Did The Colonists Fight the American Revolution For

    Who Did The Colonists Fight the American Revolution For

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    NATIONAL CONSTITUTION PARTY CHAIRMAN

    Justin Magill

    Patrick Henry, one of the most well-known of our Founding Fathers, recognized early on what was at issue with British rule in the colonies.

    In the 1763 Parson’s Cause dispute, Henry outlined the limits of King and Parliament’s authority in the colonies and the right to self-rule.

    When the Stamp act was passed in 1765, Henry proposed five resolutions in the House of Burgess that affirmatively declared the right of the colonies to self-govern, and the limits of King and Parliament.

    As things with England deteriorated over the next decade, Patrick Henry continued to be outspoken about the rights of the colonists being abused by British government. When things in Boston and throughout the northeast were reaching crisis in 1775, the Second Virginia Convention met. Patrick Henry proposed a plan of military preparedness for the inevitable war ahead.

    Henry’s foresight was met with pushback by those who wanted to hold out for a peaceful resolution to the conflict with England. It is at this juncture that Patrick Henry’s famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech swayed the majority and helped prepare Virginia for what followed shortly thereafter. It is arguably the tipping point where all of the colonies started to become resolute in their preparations for the war ahead.

    Patrick Henry’s call to support the other colonies under attack by the British demonstrates the understanding that he had that they must fight for each other if any of them were going to succeed.

    “The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle?”

    If we are to succeed in our cause to bring liberty back to these united States, we must be mindful that we are fighting for all our fellow Citizens and for our posterity. And we need to understand that we must be active now; to delay may be too late.

    Patrick Henry gave his historic speech at Saint John’s Church on March 23, 1775.

    “Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

    Will you join us?

    “But pardon me, my fellow citizens, I know you want not zeal or fortitude. You will maintain your rights or perish in the generous struggle. However, difficult the combat, you never will decline it when freedom is the prize.”

    Dr. Joseph Warren, Boston, 6 March 1775

    Join the Fight
    Support the Restoration of Liberty

    Read Patrick Henry’s famous speech, as reported by William Wirt. Delivered at the Second Virginia Convention, 23 March 1775.

  • What Taxes Are We Okay With?

    What Taxes Are We Okay With?

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    CONSTITUTION PARTY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

    Justin Magill

    The British Parliament passed the Stamp Act on 22 March 1765. The Act imposed a tax on legal and commercial paperwork as well as on newspapers and other distributed writings. It was intended to raise revenue for war debts by a tax that colonists could not avoid. The colonial legislatures were given no say in this tax, and offenders could be tried in courts of Admiralty, without rights to a jury or witnesses.

    These taxes were imposed only on the British subjects in the North American colonies and not on other British subjects, which effectively treated the colonists as second class citizens. The American Colonies were not represented in Parliament, and they declared it to be unconstitutional for such taxes to be imposed on them without their consent or the consent of their representatives. “No taxation without representation” is a phrase we have all heard which reflects the battle they faced.

    The treatment the Founders suffered, at the hands of a government they had no say in, became the major issue that drove the American Revolution. Even those who sought peace with England until the very end, had to acknowledge that returning to peace with King and Parliament would mean bowing down to any tax or restriction they might choose to put on the colonies.

    Our right to self-govern has been abdicated by many current citizens who have become too lazy or too ignorant to do the hard work of keeping our public functionaries in line. When citizens abdicate government actors are only too willing to take control.

    Are you going to your municipal meetings?

    Connect with your State Constitution Party

    Together we can make 2026 the Tipping Point where America returns to the Fundamental Principles of Liberty and Self-governance that made it great.

    Join the Growing Ranks of Liberty Activist Volunteers
    Don’t Have Time? Consider a Financial Donation Today!

  • What is the Limit of Civil Government Authority?

    What is the Limit of Civil Government Authority?

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    NATIONAL CONSTITUTION PARTY CHAIRMAN

    Justin Magill

    On March 18th, 1776, the British Parliament was forced to repeal the Stamp Act. But on the same day they passed the Declaratory Act, reasserting their right to legislate for the colonies.

    Both Parliament and the King passed the Declaratory Act. It asserted that they had the “full power and authority to make laws and statutes of sufficient force and validity to bind the colonies and people of America, subjects of the crown of Great Britain, in all cases whatsoever”.

    America’s Founders rejected this Act. The cornerstone principle which our American government is structured around is that every human being has certain inalienable rights endowed upon them by the Creator. The principles built on this foundation are that the purpose of government is to secure these rights and that the government cannot violate these rights without due process of law.

    These bedrock principles apply at every level of government and to every action of government or government actor.

    When your local or State governments violate your rights instead of securing your rights, what do you do about it? Do you know how to petition your public functionaries? Do you attend local municipal meetings? Get organized now and secure your inalienable rights.

    Connect in your State

    Together we can make 2026 the Tipping Point where America returns to the Fundamental Principles of Liberty and Self-governance that made it great.

    Join the growing ranks of Liberty Activist volunteers

    Don’t have time? Consider a Financial donation today!

  • 23 December 1783: From George Washington to United States Congress

    23 December 1783: From George Washington to United States Congress

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    CONSTITUTION PARTY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

    Justin Magill

    One of the most significant events of the American Revolution was the return of power from George Washington to Congress.

    George Washington had the popularity and the military power to establish himself as king in America. Instead, he resigned his commission back to Congress when the war ended.

    23 December 1783

    “The great events on which my resignation depended having at length taken place; I have now the honor of offering my sincere Congratulations to Congress & of presenting myself before them to surrender into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the Service of my Country.

    “Happy in the confirmation of our Independence and Sovereignty, and pleased with the oppertunity afforded the United States of becoming a respectable Nation, I resign with satisfaction the Appointment I accepted with diffidence—A diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so arduous a task, which however was superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of our Cause, the support of the Supreme Power of the Union, and the patronage of Heaven.

    “The successful termination of the War has verified the more sanguine expectations—and my gratitude for the interposition of Providence, and the assistance I have received from my Countrymen, encreases with every review of the momentous Contest.

    “While I repeat my obligations to the Army in general, I should do injustice to my own feelings not to acknowledge in this place the peculiar Services and distinguished merits of the Gentlemen who have been attached to my person during the War. It was impossible the choice of confidential Officers to compose my family should have been more fortunate. Permit me Sir, to recommend in particular those, who have continued in Service to the present moment, as worthy of the favorable notice & patronage of Congress.

    “I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my Official life, by commanding the Interests of our dearest Country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the superintendence of them, to his holy keeping.

    “Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of Action—and bidding an Affectionate farewell to this August body under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my Commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life.”

    Source: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/99-01-02-12223

    Honor George Washington by donating $23.00 to the only political party dedicated to re-establishing America’s Constitutional Republic, for which the Founders and we continue to stand.

  • 3 October 1789: Thanksgiving Proclamation

    3 October 1789: Thanksgiving Proclamation

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    CONSTITUTION PARTY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

    Justin Magill

    New York, 3 October 1789 – President of the United States of America, George Washington

    “Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor—and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

    “Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be—That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks—for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation—for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war—for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed—for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted—for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

    “And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions—to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually—to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed—to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord—To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us—and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

    “Given under my hand at the City of New-York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.”

  • 15 November 1777: The Articles of Confederation

    15 November 1777: The Articles of Confederation

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    CONSTITUTION PARTY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

    Justin Magill

    The Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Second Continental congress on this day in 1777. They were not ratified until March 1, 1781, when Maryland became the last State to ratify.

    In the short period between ratification, the war’s ending, and 1786, relations between States eroded to the point where our Founder’s began calling for a convention to correct the issues in the Articles. In 1787 they succeeded in having a convention. That convention wrote a new Constitution and proposed that it be ratified by State conventions, thereby circumventing the unanimous agreement requirement in the Articles of Confederation for any changes to that constitution. U.S. Constitution was ratified June 21,1788.

    After declaring independence from British rule, the States each became sovereign nation states. But the Founders understood that they needed some unity of action to succeed in their war for independence and their attempts to gain recognition from other countries.

    Previous attempts at unifying the governments in America, such as the Albany Plan, had failed as the various governing powers did not want to lose any authority to any other government. The idea of giving power to a new central government while fighting to achieve independence from the current central government was repugnant to many.

    The Second Continental Congress created a committee of one representative from each colony to create a form that the new “national” government would take. The primary writer of the Articles of Confederation was John Dickinson, a delegate from Delaware. After much debate and alterations, the Articles were adopted by the Second Continental Congress on November 15, 1777.

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  • The Continental Military Gets Organized

    The Continental Military Gets Organized

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    CONSTITUTION PARTY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

    Justin Magill

    Road to Independence Dateline: 17 June 1775, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    George Washington was chosen this day to lead the Continental forces against the British.

    Washington’s selection as the Commander & Chief was not a foregone conclusion and there were several others who expected to receive the appointment. However, George Washington’s nomination was unanimously approved by the Continental Congress. A sum of $500 per month was established to pay the Commander & Chief, but Washington refused pay, asking only that his expenses be reimbursed.

    Washington did not seek this position, but he was one of the few men suited for this position; both in military experience and in his place and position as a wealthy Virginia leader. His selection to lead the colonial army, let everyone know that the colonies were behind Massachusetts in its struggle with the king. His steady leadership through the war brought about the impossible victory over the world’s greatest military of the time.

    George Washington received his commission as General and Commander and Chief on June 19, 1775, and resigned it on December 23, 1783 after the war. His willingness to resign from such a powerful position has resonated with Americans for generations.

    See the words of the commission below from the American Battlefield Trust.

    The Continental Congress appoints George Washington as Commander and Chief of the Continental Army:

    Members of Congress convened: 

    The delegates of the United Colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New Castle Kent and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina

    To George Washington Esquire

    We reposing especial trust and confidence in your patriotism, conduct and fidelity Do by these presents constitute and appoint you to be General and Commander in chief of the army of the United Colonies and of all the forces raised or to be raised by them and of all others who shall voluntarily offer their service and join the said army for the defence of American Liberty and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof And you are hereby vested with full power and authority to act as you shall think for the good and Welfare of the service.

    And we do hereby strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders & diligent in the exercise of their several duties. And we do also enjoin and require you to be careful in executing the great trust reposed in you, by causing strict discipline and order to be observed in the army and that the soldiers are duly exercised and provided with all convenient necessaries.

    And you are to regulate your conduct in every respect by the rules and discipline of war (as herewith given you) and punctually to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the said United Colonies or a committee of Congress for that purpose appointed.

    This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this or a future Congress.

    By order of the Congress,

    John Hancock, President

    Learn more: https://www.battlefields.org/learn/primary-sources/washingtons-commission

  • Let Them Call Me Rebel

    Let Them Call Me Rebel

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    CONSTITUTION PARTY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

    Justin Magill

    Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: It is dearness only that gives every thing its value.

    Thomas Paine -The American Crisis

    2026 is the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and some of the many events leading to it.

    Our new website will be launching on July 4th of this year, and it will launch a yearlong focus on what brought Americans to the point of Declaring Independence from Britain. Be on the lookout for the new site with new interactive ways to see our history and to involve others in our fight to revive America!

    In honor of the Anniversary year, we are launching a fund drive of $17.76. Our goal is to give everyone the opportunity to participate in fighting for our freedom. We are asking for donations of $17.76. It can be a one-time donation, or it can be a monthly reoccurring donation. You can also donate $1776.00 if you want, but we are really looking for as many people to participate as we can possibly reach. You can donate to any specific category you wish or just donate to the general fund.

    This is a great opportunity for you to have a conversation with family, friends, or coworkers about our freedoms and the price of saving them.  

    It does not take a majority to prevail… but rather an irate, tireless minority,  keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.

    Samuel Adams

    THESE are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.

    Thomas Paine THE AMERICAN CRISIS, No. 1, 1776

    Dec. 19, 1776: Published as a pamphlet in Philadelphia.

    Dec. 24, 1776: Read to Washington’s troops before the crossing of the Delaware River and victory in the Battle of Trenton.

    Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, #1, December 1776

    Let them call me rebel, and welcome, I feel no concern from it.

    Thomas Paine

  • First Offensive of the Revolution

    First Offensive of the Revolution

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    CONSTITUTION PARTY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

    Justin Magill

    May 10, 1775

    Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen, with about 80 men, attack Fort Ticonderoga capturing the British soldiers and the artillery housed there. The fort controls the north/south route between Albany and Montreal over lakes Champlain and George. While this victory meant control of a strong, strategic fort, the more important significance of this victory would not be recognized until nearly a year later.

    After the battles of Lexington and Concord, the militias, and later the Continental Army, surrounded Boston in an effort to contain the British military. General Washington directed General Henry Knox to retrieve the cannons from Fort Ticonderoga at whatever expense it took. Late in January, Knox returned with the cannon and plans were made to reinforce Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston.

    During the night of March 5, 1776, Dorchester Heights was fortified with prebuilt chandeliers and fascines and the cannons brought 200 miles in the dead of winter from Fort Ticonderoga. On March 6, 1776, six years after the Boston massacre, the British awakened to find the Continental Army holding a commanding position over Boston. The British were forced to abandon Boston marking a major victory on the Road to Independence.

    All because a few men succeeded in their fight for Freedom. 

    https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/fort-ticonderoga-1775

  • The Gunpowder Incident

    The Gunpowder Incident

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    CONSTITUTION PARTY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

    Justin Magill

    On April 21, 1775, the people of Virginia were alerted that the royal governor, Lord Dunmore, had removed the gun powder stores from the public powder magazine in Williamsburg, VA during the night and moved it to a ship of the Royal Navy. 

    Thanks to Patrick Henry’s speech to the Second Virginia Convention, militias in Virginia were being readied to defend America from Britain’s imminent attack. Patrick Henry lead his militia to Williamsburg to demand the return of the gunpowder. Militias around Virginia moved on Williamsburg in support of Henry, and they were eventually reimbursed for the cost of the stolen gunpowder.

    Virginia would not have been ready for this emergency had Patrick Henry not made his “Give me Liberty or Give me Death” speech the month before. The question for each of us is, what are we doing to prepare for the upcoming local elections in our area? Have you organized a local Constitution Party affiliate? Have you recruited quality candidates who understand the purpose of government and are prepared to secure our inalienable rights? Do you have the groundwork laid for getting our candidates on the ballot and for getting the votes needed to elect them? Do you have a plan of action for when they get elected? Do you have a long-term plan for electing more and more local CP candidates?

    We must be ready.

    Learn more about THE GUN POWDER INCIDENT here.