Original U.S. Constitution

Definition

The Original U.S. Constitution is the foundational legal document of the United States, drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788, which established the framework for the federal government and outlined the rights and responsibilities of the states and citizens. It created a system of checks and balances among the three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial, ensuring that no single branch would hold too much power. This document is crucial in understanding how governance was structured following the American Revolution and laid the groundwork for future amendments and laws.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Constitution was drafted during the Philadelphia Convention in 1787, where delegates from twelve of the thirteen states came together to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
2. The Constitution established a bicameral legislature, known as Congress, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives, each with distinct powers and responsibilities.
3. The Original U.S. Constitution was signed by 39 delegates on September 17, 1787, and was then sent to the states for ratification, requiring nine states to approve it for it to become law.
4. The Constitution included provisions for amending it, allowing for changes and adaptations over time to meet the needs of a growing nation.
5. Ratification debates highlighted key issues such as representation, slavery, and states' rights, leading to the eventual adoption of the Bill of Rights to address concerns about individual liberties.

Review Questions

• How did the Original U.S. Constitution address the weaknesses present in the Articles of Confederation?
  • The Original U.S. Constitution was created to resolve several weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation, primarily by establishing a stronger federal government with greater authority. It addressed issues like lack of a central executive branch and an ineffective legislature by creating a clear separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This new structure aimed to create a more effective and organized government capable of enforcing laws and managing national issues.
• Discuss the significance of the Bill of Rights in relation to the Original U.S. Constitution.
  • The Bill of Rights holds great significance as it was introduced to ensure individual liberties were protected under the Original U.S. Constitution. After ratification, many states expressed concerns about potential governmental overreach, prompting calls for explicit protections for citizens' rights. The inclusion of these first ten amendments solidified fundamental freedoms such as speech, religion, and assembly, which are essential components of American democracy.
• Evaluate how the principles established by the Original U.S. Constitution have influenced contemporary governance in America.
  • The principles established by the Original U.S. Constitution have profoundly influenced contemporary governance in America by embedding core democratic values such as checks and balances, federalism, and individual rights into modern political practice. These foundational concepts ensure that power remains distributed among various branches and levels of government while protecting citizens' liberties. As society evolves, these principles continue to serve as a framework for addressing new challenges, guiding constitutional interpretations through judicial review, and informing legislative processes that shape modern American life.

Related terms

Bill of Rights:

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, ratified in 1791, which guarantee essential rights and civil liberties to individuals.

Federalism:

The distribution of power between the national government and the individual states, as established by the Constitution.

Checks and Balances:

A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to have some measure of influence over the other branches.