This week is Celebrate Freedom Week in Montana’s public schools, a perfect time to reflect on what freedom really means here.
The Declaration of Independence gave us the vision of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” and the U.S. and Montana Constitutions took those ideals and made them real.
When America was founded, most nations were ruled by kings or queens. The Founders wanted something different. They believed the people – not a monarch – should be the boss. That’s why the U.S. Constitution begins with “We the People.”
This principle is called popular sovereignty: the people are in charge, and leaders have to listen. The opposite is dictatorship, when one person makes the rules only for themselves.
So what does this have to do with freedom? Popular sovereignty gives people freedom by putting them in charge. It means you get to help choose your leaders and your laws, instead of being ruled by someone you didn’t choose.
Here in Montana, our Constitution goes even further. It guarantees every child the right to a quality education and the chance to develop their full potential. Because popular sovereignty only works when every person has the knowledge, skills, and opportunity to use their voice.
Public schools aren’t just classrooms—they’re the training ground for “We the People.”