United States Constitution

Definition

The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework for the government and the rights of the citizens. It was drafted in 1787 and outlines the structure of the federal government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, while also addressing the relationship between states and the federal government. Its provisions laid the groundwork for treaty-making processes and influenced how treaties are negotiated, ratified, and implemented within the context of U.S. law.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, and has been amended 27 times to address evolving political and social issues.
2. Article II of the Constitution gives the president the power to negotiate treaties with foreign nations, but requires a two-thirds majority in the Senate for ratification.
3. The Constitution establishes a clear separation of powers among the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial.
4. The process of amending the Constitution requires approval from two-thirds of both houses of Congress and three-fourths of state legislatures, ensuring that changes reflect a broad consensus.
5. Treaties made under the authority of the Constitution are considered part of the supreme law of the land under the Supremacy Clause, meaning they hold significant legal weight.

Review Questions

• How does the United States Constitution establish the framework for treaty-making in relation to governmental powers?
  • The United States Constitution lays out a clear framework for treaty-making primarily through Article II, which grants the president authority to negotiate treaties with foreign governments. However, this power is balanced by requiring that two-thirds of the Senate must approve any treaty for it to be ratified. This division of power illustrates how the Constitution seeks to create a system of checks and balances within the federal government regarding international agreements.
• Discuss how federalism as established by the United States Constitution impacts treaty enforcement and state involvement.
  • Federalism plays a critical role in treaty enforcement as established by the United States Constitution. While treaties are considered part of federal law under the Supremacy Clause, states are also involved in their implementation. This means that states must adhere to treaties; however, their specific laws may influence how those treaties are enacted on a local level. The interaction between federal authority and state autonomy can lead to complexities in enforcing international agreements.
• Evaluate how amendments to the United States Constitution reflect changes in societal values regarding treaties and international relations over time.
  • Amendments to the United States Constitution serve as indicators of evolving societal values, including perspectives on treaties and international relations. For example, amendments that expand civil rights demonstrate a shift towards greater inclusion and equality, affecting how treaties related to human rights are viewed. Additionally, historical contexts like post-World War II influenced amendments or interpretations that emphasize cooperation with international entities. This evaluation shows how constitutional amendments are not static but evolve in response to changing societal norms and global circumstances.

Related terms

Treaty: A formal agreement between two or more sovereign states, which is governed by international law.

Supremacy Clause: A clause in Article VI of the Constitution stating that federal law takes precedence over state laws and constitutions.

Federalism:

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states.