The Birth of the Constitution

Definition

This refers to the creation and signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787, which established America's national government and fundamental laws.

Analogy

Think about baking a cake from scratch. You need to carefully measure each ingredient (like defining powers for each branch), mix them together (creating a system where they can work together), and then bake it (ratify it). The finished cake is like our Constitution - a complete product that required careful planning and execution.

Related terms

Constitutional Convention: A meeting held in Philadelphia in 1787 where delegates from twelve states wrote the U.S. Constitution.

Ratification: The official way to confirm something, usually by vote. It is the formal validation of a proposed law.

Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, outlining basic individual protections such as freedom of speech and religion.