American Constitution

Definition

The American Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, established in 1787, which outlines the national framework of government and the fundamental rights of citizens. It was created to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and to create a stronger federal government, while balancing power among various branches. The Constitution embodies principles such as separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism, which are crucial for maintaining democracy and protecting individual liberties.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Constitution was drafted during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 and required ratification by nine states to take effect.
2. Debates during the convention focused on issues like representation, federal versus state power, and the inclusion of a bill of rights.
3. The Federalist Papers were a series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to promote the ratification of the Constitution.
4. The Constitution has been amended 27 times, with the first ten amendments known as the Bill of Rights addressing concerns about individual liberties.
5. Key compromises made during the Constitutional Convention included the Great Compromise, which established a bicameral legislature, and the Three-Fifths Compromise regarding representation of enslaved individuals.

Review Questions

• How did the American Constitution address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
  • The American Constitution was designed to rectify the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation by creating a stronger central government with distinct branches. Under the Articles, there was no executive or judicial branch, leading to an inability to enforce laws or resolve disputes. The Constitution established a federal system with separate legislative, executive, and judicial branches, which allowed for better governance and management of national issues.
• Discuss the significance of the Federalist Papers in relation to the ratification of the Constitution.
  • The Federalist Papers played a crucial role in influencing public opinion and persuading states to ratify the Constitution. Written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, these essays articulated the benefits of a strong federal government while addressing concerns about potential tyranny. They provided a thorough defense of constitutional principles such as separation of powers and checks and balances, helping to reassure skeptics about the proposed government's structure.
• Evaluate how compromises made at the Constitutional Convention impacted the formation of federalism in the United States.
  • Compromises made during the Constitutional Convention significantly shaped federalism in America by balancing state and federal powers. The Great Compromise created a bicameral legislature that satisfied both large and small states' demands for representation. Meanwhile, agreements like the Three-Fifths Compromise addressed contentious issues surrounding slavery and representation. These compromises were essential in gaining support for the Constitution from various states, ultimately establishing a framework for cooperative governance between national and state authorities.

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 Constitution that guarantee individual liberties and protections against government overreach.

Checks and Balances:

A system that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch with specific powers to counterbalance the others.