United States Constitution
Definition
The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework of its government and outlining the powers and limitations of each branch. It was created in 1787 and has since served as a model for democratic governments worldwide.
Analogy
Think of the United States Constitution as a blueprint for a house. Just like a blueprint outlines how all the rooms should be arranged and what materials to use, the Constitution outlines how our government should function and what powers it has.
Related terms
Federalism: This term refers to the division of power between the national government and state governments.
Separation of Powers: This term refers to the division of governmental responsibilities into three branches - legislative, executive, and judicial.
Bill of Rights: These are the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution that guarantee individual rights and liberties.
"United States Constitution" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Practice Questions (10)
What were the main differences between the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution?
What principle from the colonial period persisted into the formation of the United States Constitution?
Which American Founding Father argued strongly for ratification of United States Constitution but did not sign it?
Who played a pivotal role in the ratification debates of the United States Constitution?
Which classic document can be considered as an influence on some provisions in the United States constitution?
What common thread emerged between the formation of the United States Constitution and the emergence of Jacksonian Democracy?
Who was primarily responsible for drafting the United States Constitution?
What was the primary aim of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution?
What conflict led to the drafting of the United States Constitution?
Which amendment to the United States Constitution gave women the right to vote?
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