Relation+to+Constitution

**Cicero and the U.S. Constitution**

Private Property
In line 20, part 7, Cicero states that there is no property ownership by nature, but that property becomes private through long a period of occupancy. Therefore in due time, things that had been of common property become privates property of individuals. In the Quartering Acts of 1765, the British soldiers were allowed to rest at a colonist's house without the occupant's consent. This would have been a violation of private property.

The U.S. Constitution now has the 3rd amendment, which protects the citizens' private property.

3rd Amendment: "No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law."

Popular Vote
In line 20, part 7, Cicero states men's duty to their republic. In present day, popular vote can be justified by a couple of Cicero's factors. "Men are born for the sake of men" according to Cicero, and they give to each other by helping mutually. Men are to contribute to the general good by an interchange of acts of kindness. "Good families raise proper citizens for the republic, and one owes a huge amount of affection towards their families, but the dearest ties should be for the republic itself." Since people are continuously giving back to their country then they should have a right to have their voices be heard. Especially since they should have a say in the changes made to their country because they are working to make their country a superior place. If people give to their countries then they should also receive from their country.

The U.S. Constitution states that certain things can be voted by national popularity vote.

Cicero's "injustices"
There are two kinds of "injustices". One, on the the part of those who "inflict wrong". Another on the part "of those who, when they can, do not shield from wrong those upon whom it is being inflicted." An individual whom is influenced by anger wrongfully physically attacks a comrade. He who does not prevent or oppose the wrong is just as guilty of wrong as if he had deserted his relatives or his country because "men are born for the sake of men." For example, if someone has killed a friend it is the duty of one to seek justice. If one does not seek justice then that is injustice and you are guilty of a crime as if you were the assaulter as well. Cicero claims “ that no man should harm another unless he has been provoked by injustice” It is in the nature of our duties to sometimes set aside the law or break an agreement to do what is right. It is honorable to fulfill one’s duty to someone who has wronged you.

5th Amendment: No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. 6th amendment: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.**

[|U.S. Constitution]
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