U.S. Constitution

Definition

The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework of the national government and delineating the rights of citizens. It was drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788, marking a significant shift from the Articles of Confederation, which had governed the nation during its early years. The Constitution serves as a cornerstone for American democracy, laying down principles such as federalism, checks and balances, and individual liberties that continue to shape the nation's governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The U.S. Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
2. The document originally consisted of seven articles that outlined the structure of the government and its powers.
3. The Constitution established three branches of government: legislative (Congress), executive (President), and judicial (Supreme Court), each with distinct powers and responsibilities.
4. The process for amending the Constitution is intentionally difficult, requiring a two-thirds majority in Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states.
5. The supremacy clause in Article VI establishes that federal law takes precedence over state laws when there is a conflict.

Review Questions

• How did the U.S. Constitution address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
  • The U.S. Constitution addressed several weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation by establishing a stronger federal government with the power to tax, regulate commerce, and enforce laws. Under the Articles, the central government lacked authority and resources to function effectively, leading to issues like economic instability and inability to maintain order. The Constitution created a more balanced system through defined powers for both state and federal governments, which helped create a cohesive national framework.
• In what ways does the Bill of Rights enhance individual freedoms under the U.S. Constitution?
  • The Bill of Rights enhances individual freedoms by explicitly enumerating rights that are protected from government infringement. These first ten amendments guarantee fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, assembly, religion, and the right to a fair trial. By outlining these rights, the Bill of Rights ensures that citizens have clear protections against governmental abuse, reinforcing the principles of democracy and personal liberty that are central to American society.
• Evaluate how the principles of federalism and checks and balances within the U.S. Constitution have shaped American governance over time.
  • The principles of federalism and checks and balances have significantly shaped American governance by promoting a division of power that prevents tyranny and encourages cooperation between different levels of government. Federalism allows states to maintain their own laws while being part of a larger national framework, fostering diversity in governance. Checks and balances ensure that no single branch can dominate the others; this dynamic has encouraged negotiation and compromise in policy-making. Over time, these principles have adapted to societal changes while maintaining stability in American political structure.

Related terms

Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that guarantee essential rights and freedoms to individuals, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press.

Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, like states, as outlined in the Constitution.

Checks and Balances: A system in which each branch of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) has the ability to limit the powers of the others, ensuring that no one branch becomes too powerful.