New U.S Constitution

Definition

The new U.S. Constitution is the foundational document that established the framework of the federal government of the United States, ratified in 1788 to replace the Articles of Confederation. It outlined the structure, powers, and limitations of government, and introduced key principles such as separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism, which are crucial for maintaining a functioning democracy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The new U.S. Constitution was drafted in 1787 during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, where delegates aimed to address weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.
2. Ratification required nine out of thirteen states to approve the Constitution, leading to significant debates between Federalists who supported it and Anti-Federalists who opposed it.
3. The Federalist Papers, written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, were influential essays that defended the Constitution and argued for its adoption.
4. The Constitution established a bicameral legislature (Congress) with a House of Representatives and a Senate, balancing representation between populous and less populous states.
5. The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution in 1791 to address concerns about individual liberties and ensure protections against potential government abuses.

Review Questions

• How did the drafting of the new U.S. Constitution address the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation?
  • The new U.S. Constitution was created to remedy several weaknesses inherent in the Articles of Confederation, which provided a loose framework for governance. The Constitution established a stronger federal government with the power to levy taxes, regulate interstate commerce, and maintain an army. These changes were crucial for ensuring a more effective central authority capable of managing national issues while also providing a system for checks and balances among branches.
• Evaluate the impact of the Federalist Papers on the ratification process of the new U.S. Constitution.
  • The Federalist Papers played a significant role in shaping public opinion during the ratification process of the new U.S. Constitution. Written by key figures like Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, these essays articulated strong arguments in favor of a robust federal government and addressed concerns raised by Anti-Federalists regarding potential tyranny. Their persuasive reasoning helped sway undecided states towards ratification by providing a clearer understanding of how the proposed government would function.
• Assess how the principles established by the new U.S. Constitution continue to influence modern governance in America.
  • The principles set forth by the new U.S. Constitution, such as separation of powers and checks and balances, have had a lasting impact on modern governance in America. These principles ensure that power is not concentrated in any one branch of government, promoting accountability and protecting individual rights. As new issues arise in society, these foundational concepts are continually applied and interpreted through judicial review, demonstrating their relevance and adaptability over time in maintaining democratic governance.

Related terms

Federalism:

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, allowing for both national and state governance.

Bill of Rights:

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791, that guarantee individual liberties and protect citizens from government overreach.

Separation of Powers:

A political doctrine that divides governmental responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.