New Constitution

Definition

The New Constitution refers to the framework of government established in the United States in 1787, replacing the Articles of Confederation. This new document aimed to create a stronger federal government with distinct powers and responsibilities, addressing the weaknesses of the previous system that had left the national government ineffective in dealing with various issues, such as economic instability and interstate disputes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Constitution was drafted during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, with key figures like James Madison and George Washington playing crucial roles.
2. It established a bicameral legislature, creating both the House of Representatives and the Senate to balance representation between populous and less populous states.
3. The New Constitution included provisions for a stronger executive branch headed by a president, which was a significant shift from the previous system under the Articles.
4. Ratification of the New Constitution required approval from nine out of thirteen states, leading to extensive debates and discussions, notably in The Federalist Papers.
5. The Bill of Rights, consisting of the first ten amendments, was added shortly after ratification to address concerns about individual liberties and limit federal power.

Review Questions

• How did the New Constitution address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
  • The New Constitution addressed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation by establishing a stronger federal government with specific powers over taxation, trade regulation, and national defense. Unlike the Articles, which provided limited authority to Congress and no executive branch, the New Constitution created a system with separate branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. This structure ensured that the federal government could effectively respond to economic issues and enforce laws across states.
• Discuss how federalism is reflected in the structure of the New Constitution.
  • Federalism is reflected in the New Constitution through its division of powers between the national government and state governments. The Constitution delineates specific powers granted to Congress, such as regulating commerce and coining money, while reserving other powers for the states. This balance allows for local governance while ensuring a cohesive national policy, embodying the essence of federalism as a means to unify diverse interests within a large nation.
• Evaluate the significance of checks and balances established by the New Constitution in maintaining democratic governance.
  • The significance of checks and balances established by the New Constitution lies in its ability to prevent any one branch from dominating government functions. By allowing each branch—executive, legislative, and judicial—to monitor and limit each other's powers, this system fosters accountability and prevents abuses. This framework not only protects individual rights but also reinforces democratic principles by ensuring that power remains distributed and balanced among various entities within the government.

Related terms

Articles of Confederation:

The first governing document of the United States, established in 1781, which created a loose alliance of sovereign states and a weak central government.

Federalism:

A system of governance where power is divided between a central authority and individual states, allowing for both levels of government to operate independently within their own spheres.

Checks and Balances:

A fundamental principle of the New Constitution designed to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful by ensuring that each branch has the ability to limit the powers of the others.