Constitution

Definition

A constitution is a foundational legal document that outlines the principles, structures, and functions of government. It serves as the supreme law of the land, establishing the framework within which government operates and protecting the rights of citizens. By defining how power is distributed and exercised, a constitution plays a critical role in shaping governance and maintaining order in society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The U.S. Constitution was drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788, establishing the framework for the federal government and its relationship with the states.
2. The Constitution consists of a preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments, with the first ten amendments known as the Bill of Rights, which protects individual liberties.
3. The Constitution is designed to be a living document, allowing for amendments to adapt to changing societal values and norms.
4. Judicial review, established by the Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison in 1803, allows courts to interpret the Constitution and declare laws or actions unconstitutional.
5. The Constitution also embodies principles such as popular sovereignty, limited government, and separation of powers, which are essential to American democracy.

Review Questions

• How does the Constitution establish the framework for government in terms of power distribution among different branches?
  • The Constitution establishes a framework for government by dividing powers among three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. Each branch has distinct responsibilities and powers, ensuring that no single branch can dominate governance. This separation of powers is complemented by a system of checks and balances that allows each branch to oversee and limit the actions of the others, promoting accountability and preventing abuses of power.
• Discuss how the Bill of Rights enhances the Constitution's role in protecting individual liberties.
  • The Bill of Rights, consisting of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, enhances its role in protecting individual liberties by explicitly listing fundamental rights that cannot be infringed upon by the government. These rights include freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the right to bear arms, among others. By including these protections within the Constitution itself, it reinforces the idea that individual freedoms are paramount and must be upheld against potential governmental overreach.
• Evaluate how constitutional amendments reflect societal changes and influence the evolution of American federalism.
  • Constitutional amendments reflect societal changes by allowing for adjustments to the foundational principles set forth in the original document. Over time, amendments have addressed issues such as civil rights, voting rights, and Prohibition. This adaptability has influenced American federalism by reshaping the balance of power between state and federal governments. For instance, amendments that expand civil rights often require states to align their laws with federal standards, demonstrating how constitutional evolution impacts governance at multiple levels.

Related terms

Federalism:

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and smaller political units, such as states or provinces.

Bill of Rights:

A list of fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to individuals, typically included in a constitution to protect citizens from government overreach.

Checks and Balances:

A principle of governance that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch with some measure of influence over the other branches.