US Constitution

Definition

The US Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, established in 1787, that outlines the national framework of government and the rights of citizens. It was created to replace the Articles of Confederation, which had proven ineffective, and reflects Enlightenment ideals, emphasizing liberty, democracy, and the rule of law.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
2. It established a stronger federal government compared to the Articles of Confederation, which lacked authority to tax or regulate commerce effectively.
3. The Constitution includes a preamble outlining its purpose and seven articles detailing the structure and powers of government.
4. The Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791 to address concerns about individual freedoms and limits on governmental power.
5. The Constitution has been amended 27 times, reflecting changes in American society and ensuring its relevance over time.

Review Questions

• How did the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation lead to the creation of the US Constitution?
  • The Articles of Confederation created a weak national government that struggled to unify the states, as it lacked powers to tax and regulate trade. This resulted in economic turmoil and difficulties in addressing internal conflicts. The delegates at the Constitutional Convention recognized these issues and aimed to create a stronger central government that could effectively manage national affairs and provide stability, ultimately leading to the drafting of the US Constitution.
• In what ways does the US Constitution reflect Enlightenment ideals, and how did these principles influence its structure?
  • The US Constitution embodies Enlightenment ideals such as liberty, equality, and democracy. These principles influenced its structure by emphasizing a government based on consent of the governed and separation of powers among branches. The inclusion of checks and balances prevents any single branch from gaining too much power, ensuring a system that protects individual rights and promotes democratic governance.
• Evaluate the impact of the Bill of Rights on American society and its role in shaping the relationship between citizens and their government.
  • The Bill of Rights significantly impacted American society by explicitly protecting individual liberties and limiting governmental power. By guaranteeing freedoms such as speech, religion, and assembly, it fostered a culture that values personal rights. This framework shaped the relationship between citizens and their government by establishing clear boundaries for governmental authority, allowing for a more engaged citizenry that holds the government accountable for its actions.

Related terms

Federalism:

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, allowing states to maintain certain powers while the federal government holds others.

Bill of Rights:

The first ten amendments to the US Constitution that guarantee individual liberties and protect citizens from government overreach.

Checks and Balances:

A principle of governance in the Constitution that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful by giving each branch the ability to limit the powers of the others.