Eleanor Finch
The United States Constitution, the oldest written national constitution still in use, is a landmark document of the Western world. It comprises seven articles that outline the structure and operation of the US government. The first three articles establish the three branches of government and their powers: the Legislative (Congress), Executive (Office of the President), and Judicial (Federal Court System). Articles four through seven describe the relationship between the states and the federal government, affirm the constitution as the supreme law, and outline the amendment and ratification processes. The constitution has been amended 27 times, with the first ten amendments comprising the Bill of Rights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Articles | 7 |
| Date of Signing | 17 September 1787 |
| Date of Ratification | 21 June 1788 |
| Number of Amendments | 27 |
| Date of First 10 Amendments | 15 December 1791 |
| Amendment-Making Power | Legislature or Specially Elected Conventions |
| Article Establishing Federal Supremacy | Article VI |
| Article on Amendment Process | Article V |
| Article on Ratification Process | Article VII |
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What You'll Learn
- The US Constitution is the oldest written national constitution still in use
- It was signed on September 17, 1787, and ratified on June 21, 1788
- The Constitution outlines the basic rights of citizens and the principal organs of government
- It consists of seven articles, a preamble, and a closing endorsement
- The first three articles establish the three branches of government and their powers
The US Constitution is the oldest written national constitution still in use
Article I covers the legislative branch, consisting of the bicameral Congress. Article II covers the executive branch, including the President and subordinate officers. Article III covers the judicial branch, including the Supreme Court and other federal courts. Articles IV, V, and VI embody concepts of federalism and describe the relationship between state and federal governments, as well as the process for amending the Constitution. Article VI also establishes the supremacy of the Constitution and federal laws over state laws and prohibits religious tests for public office. Article VII outlines the process for establishing the new frame of government.
While the US Constitution is the oldest written national constitution still in use, it is worth noting that some countries have older governing documents. For example, the United Kingdom's constitution is largely unwritten but includes centuries-old texts like the Magna Carta, which dates back to the 13th century. Similarly, San Marino has governing documents that date back to around 1600, even though their form of government has evolved.
The US Constitution has been amended several times since its ratification to reflect the changing needs of the nation. The process of amending the Constitution, as outlined in Article V, involves proposing amendments through Congress or a national convention and then ratifying them through state legislatures or state ratifying conventions. To date, 38 of the 50 states must ratify a proposed amendment for it to become an operative part of the Constitution.
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It was signed on September 17, 1787, and ratified on June 21, 1788
The Constitution of the United States, originally comprising seven articles, was signed on September 17, 1787, by the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The day is now celebrated as Constitution Day. The signing culminated a four-month period of fervent discussion and debate, during which the Framers of the Constitution worked diligently to shape the future of the nation and its government. The Constitution was then sent to the states for ratification, and it came into force on June 21, 1788, when New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it. This process of state-by-state ratification highlighted the delicate balance between the power of the federal government and the sovereignty of the individual states, a tension that has persisted throughout American history.
The Constitution's signing in 1787 marked a pivotal moment in the nation's history, as it established the framework for the federal government that endures to this day. The document outlines the structure and powers of the government, including the famous system of checks and balances designed to prevent the accumulation of power in any one branch or individual. The signing of the Constitution was the culmination of a long and often contentious process, reflecting the complex political, social, and economic landscape of the newly formed United States.
The ratification of the Constitution by the necessary nine out of thirteen states on June 21, 1788, was a significant milestone. This date marked the official adoption of the Constitution and the establishment of the federal government as we know it today. The process of ratification was not without its challenges and controversies, with fierce debates occurring in state conventions across the country. Federalists, who supported the Constitution, clashed with Anti-Federalists, who feared the establishment of a powerful central government and sought to protect states' rights and individual liberties.
The ratification of the Bill of Rights, comprising the first ten amendments to the Constitution, further addressed Anti-Federalist concerns and provided explicit protections for individual liberties. These amendments were introduced in Congress in 1789 and ratified by the states in 1791. The Bill of Rights continues to be a cornerstone of American civil liberties and a powerful symbol of the nation's commitment to individual freedom and limited government.
The Constitution has endured as a living document, open to interpretation and amendment, and serving as a source of national unity and identity. Its signing and ratification were critical steps in the founding of the United States and continue to shape the country's political and social landscape. As the nation evolved, so too has the interpretation and application of the Constitution, through judicial review and the amendment process, ensuring that this foundational document remains relevant and responsive to the needs of a changing society.
The dates of September 17, 1787, and June 21, 1788, are thus forever etched in the annals of American history, marking the signing and ratification of the world's longest-lasting written constitution, a testament to the enduring vision and principles of the nation's founders.
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The Constitution outlines the basic rights of citizens and the principal organs of government
The United States Constitution, the oldest written national constitution still in use, is made up of seven articles that outline the basic rights of citizens and the principal organs of government. The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, and ratified on June 21, 1788.
The first three articles of the Constitution define the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the government, respectively. The fourth article outlines the relationship between the states and the federal government, while the fifth article details the process for amending the Constitution. The sixth article establishes the supremacy of the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, and the seventh article outlines the process for ratifying the Constitution.
The Constitution was created to address the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation, which had deprived the national government of essential powers, including direct taxation and the ability to regulate interstate commerce. The writers of the Constitution intended to create a system of checks and balances, with Congress as part of this system.
The Bill of Rights, comprising the first ten amendments, was added to the Constitution to limit government power and protect individual liberties. These amendments include the right to free speech and freedom of religion, the right to be secure in one's home from unreasonable government intrusion, and protections from cruel and unusual punishment. The Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments guarantee citizens' rights to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, the rights of the accused, due process of law, and jury trials, respectively.
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It consists of seven articles, a preamble, and a closing endorsement
The United States Constitution, the oldest written national constitution still in use, is comprised of seven articles, a preamble, and a closing endorsement. It was signed on September 17, 1787, and ratified on June 21, 1788.
The seven articles outline the structure and operation of the government. The first three articles establish the three branches of government and their powers: the Legislative (Congress), Executive (Office of the President), and Judicial (Federal Court System). The Legislative Branch is further divided into two parts, or "Houses": the House of Representatives and the Senate. This bicameral system was a compromise between large and small states, balancing representation based on population and equal state representation.
Articles four through seven describe the relationship between the states and the Federal Government, establish the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, and define the amendment and ratification processes. Article VI, for example, asserts the supremacy of the Constitution and federal laws and treaties over state laws and constitutions. It also includes provisions such as the prohibition of religious tests as a qualification for public office.
The preamble introduces the articles and amendments that follow. It is comprised of 52 famous words that set the tone and intent of the document. The closing endorsement is a formula devised to ensure the unanimous support of the states, as obtaining their consent was crucial for the Constitution to take effect. This formula, "Done in convention by the unanimous consent of the states present," is followed by the date, "the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord 1787," using a two-fold epoch dating style that references both Western religious traditions and the principles of the Declaration of Independence.
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The first three articles establish the three branches of government and their powers
The Constitution of the United States is comprised of seven articles, and the first three of these articles establish the three branches of the federal government and outline their respective powers. This tripartite system of government, with checks and balances, is a foundational principle of American democracy.
Article I establishes the legislative branch, the United States Congress. This article creates a bicameral legislature, with a House of Representatives and a Senate, and outlines the qualifications for representatives and senators. It grants all legislative powers to Congress, including the power to pass laws, levy taxes, borrow money, regulate commerce, and declare war. Additionally, Article I delineates the process for lawmaking, outlining the roles of both houses of Congress and the procedure for overriding a presidential veto.
Article II establishes the executive branch, headed by the President of the United States. This article sets out the mode of election and qualifications for the president, as well as outlining the powers and duties of the office. The president is vested with the executive power, including the responsibility to enforce the laws, and is designated as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The president is also granted the power to appoint federal officers, judges, and ambassadors, with the advice and consent of the Senate, and has the authority to make treaties and veto legislation.
Article III establishes the judicial branch, the United States federal court system. This article creates the Supreme Court and empowers Congress to establish lower courts as needed. It outlines the jurisdiction of the federal courts, specifying types of cases they may hear, and establishes the trial by jury for criminal cases. Additionally, Article III guarantees the independence of the judiciary by providing for lifetime appointments for federal judges, who hold office during "good behavior," and prohibits Congress from reducing the salaries of judges.
These first three articles form the core of the American system of government, dividing power among three separate branches to ensure a balanced and effective government, while also providing a system of checks and balances to prevent the accumulation of power in any one branch.
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Frequently asked questions
There are seven articles in the US Constitution, which make up the structural constitution.
The seven articles in the US Constitution describe the way the government is structured and how it operates. The first three articles establish the three branches of government and their powers: the legislative (Congress), executive (office of the President), and judicial (Federal court system). Articles four through seven describe the relationship of the states to the federal government, establish the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, and define the amendment and ratification processes.
The seven articles of the US Constitution were signed on September 17, 1787, and ratified on June 21, 1788.
