James Wilson

"The best form of government which has ever been offered to the world," James Wilson called the U.S. Constitution, which he helped draft and later signed.  He also signed the Declaration of Independence and served as Associate Justice of the first U.S. Supreme Court.

Although born and educated in Scotland, Wilson became a leader of the patriots as a young Pennsylvania lawyer.  He studied law under John Dickinson in Philadelphia - and the two served in the Continental Congress together.  In 1774, before he was elected to Congress, Wilson wrote a carefully reasoned pamphlet, Considerations on ...the Legislative Authority of the British Parliament, which boldly concluded that Parliament had no authority over the Colonies.  In Congress he was one of three Pennsylvania members to vote for independence. -The Book of The Founding Fathers, Pg. 76,  By Vincent Wilson, Jr.

Democratic Systems

"Thank you for contacting me about the importance of public involvement in policymaking.  As you know, our democracy thrives when citizens take an active role in the issues that affect our country.  National Write Your Congressman fosters communications between constituents and their elected representatives in Congress, providing a vital link that is essential for the health of our democratic systems.

Thank you for all of your important efforts to encourage civic activism." -Congressman Edward J. Markey, 7th District, Massachusetts

On This Day In History - Oct. 18, 1867

On October 18, 1867, the U.S. formally took possession of Alaska after purchasing the territory from Russia for $7.2 million, or less that two cents an acre.  The Alaska purchase comprised 586,412 square miles, about twice the size of Texas, and was championed by William Henry Seward, the enthusiastic expansionist secretary of state under President Andrew Johnson.

Alaska became the 49th state on January 2, 1959.

Power From The Consent Of The Governed

"More than 200 years ago, our country's founders brilliantly established a representative system whereby the government receives its power from the consent of the governed.

Constituent communication is a crucial tool that allows myself and other elected officials to better represent those who elected us to office.  Without it, the voice of the people is in danger of going unheard.

Thank you for the good work you do at National Write Your Congressman to encourage Americans to take an active role in our cherished representative democracy." -Congressman Mike Pence, 6th District, Indiana

Constituent Opinion - Write Your Congressman

"Speaking for myself, constituent opinions are a curcial component to my decision-making process as a Member of Congress.  I was elected to represent my constituents and their interests in Washington.  The only way I can do that effectively is if I hear directly from my constituents on what is important to them and why.

I receive these opinions in a variety of ways.  Often times, constituents will place calls, write letters, or send e-mails to my office after reading an article in the newspaper or hearing something about a proposal.  My staff records each of these opinions which I later read.  In addition, many people approach me at events in my district to chat with me about what they are thinking on a particular issue.  Both modes of communication are important.

I thank you and your organization for communicating the importance of constituent opinions.  Please let me know if I can help in this effort in any way." -Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy, 1st District, Rhode Island

Responsive Citizenry

"Thomas Jefferson once said, 'Determine never to be idle.  It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.'  When he and his fellow founding fathers built this Nation, they imagined an active, not passive citizenry, and a government responsive to their needs, where the wishes and desires of every citizen would be taken into account.

To realize this dream of a government reactive to the will of the people, we must have a dynamic and responsive citizenry.

The National Write Your Congressman campaign aspires to achieve this goal, and aims to give every American the opportunity to have his or her opinion reach those who need to hear it." -Congressman Mark Steven Kirk, 10th District, Illinois

Fighting To Defend The American Way Of LIfe

"One of the first responsibilities of our freedom is to vote.  Equally important responsibilities are to become informed and to make your opinion known to your elected officials.  Our forefathers put their lives on the line to earn our freedom and frame our Representative Republic.  Our nation's brave soldiers have been fighting to defend this American way of life for over 230 years.  I hope that no one takes our freedoms for granted.

I challenge every American to be active in our government and I applaud the National Write Your Congressman campaign which aspires to achieve this goal.  Remember OUR government IS the people." -Philip M. Crane, MC, Former Congressman 8th Dist. of Illinois

National Write Your Congressman

"National Write Your Congressman is a unique organization that is an important tool for my constituents and my office.  The organization serves as a conduit, making contacting elected representatives in Washington, DC easy and providing a non-partisan way for people to stay informed and involved.

Thank you again for all your organization does to keep the American public informed.  I look forward to future communication from your members." -Congressman John Boozman, 3rd District, Arkansas

John F. Kennedy Quotes

"A nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people." -President John F. Kennedy

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." -President John F. Kennedy

Constituent Opinion

"I believe that our government works best when individuals are active in informing their representatives about what's important to them." -Congressman Jerry Lewis, R-41st, California