UDHR Article 21, Clause 1 states, “Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his/her country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.”
We’re building this page as a collection of information and resources for knowing the oaths of office of the U. S. President and your elected U. S. Senators and Representatives, accessing the content of the U. S. Constitution, as well as how to contact your representatives, along with effective ways of making your views known. We hope these are helpful and put to good use! (Also see Resources to Be Well Informed and Before You Act, Do This)
Source Documents
U.S. Constitution
Preamble:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Source: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript
President of the U.S. Oath of Office:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
Source: National Museum of American History: http://americanhistory.si.edu/presidency/1b2.html
Oath taken by members of the U.S. House of Representatives:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.
Source: http://history.house.gov/Institution/Origins-Development/Oath-of-Office/
Oath taken by U. S. Senators:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.
Source: https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/Oath_Office.htm#3
Communicating With Your Elected Representatives
How to determine your elected representatives, local to national:
https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
How to determine your elected Representative to Congress by zip code:
http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/
How to learn more about the House of Representatives:
http://www.house.gov/content/learn/
How to learn more about the U.S. Senate:
https://www.senate.gov
Articles on Communicating
“Seven Types of Words You Need to Stop Capitalizing,” from Ladders job site, advice on how to make your message more effective with attention to grammar and style.
“How to Make Your Voice Heard in Washington,” former Congressman George Miller and Washington veteran John Lawrence offer practical advice, Los Angeles Times
“5 Ways to Contact Your Elected Officials and Make Your Voice Heard,” USA Today
“Why You Should Call, Not Email, Your Legislators,” New York Times
“The Best Way to Contact Your Congresspeople, From a Former Staffer,” LifeHacker
“Apps Making Pestering Congress So Easy Politicians Can’t Keep Up,” WIRED
“Don’t Think of a Rampaging Elephant,” Paul Rosenberg interviews linguist George Lakoff on framing the debate, Slate
