Isabella Carter
The United States Constitution, drafted in 1787, was an attempt to address the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation, which had left the central government with insufficient power to regulate commerce, levy taxes, or effectively manage the country's affairs. The Constitution aimed to create a stronger central government while balancing the interests and views of the individual states. While the initial mandate was to amend the Articles, the delegates ultimately proposed a bicameral Congress with proportional representation based on state population. This topic explores the question of how many citizens the Constitution initially mandated for each representative in the House.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of drafting | May 25, 1787 to September 17, 1787 |
| Location | Independence Hall, Philadelphia |
| Delegates | Chosen by state legislatures of 12 of the 13 original states; Rhode Island refused to send delegates |
| Number of signatories | 39 |
| Previous constitution | Articles of Confederation |
| Reason for new constitution | Articles of Confederation had no enforcement powers, couldn't regulate commerce, print money, or settle disputes between states |
| New government | Powerful central government with a bicameral (two-house) Congress |
| Ratification | Ratification by 9 of the 13 states enacted the new government |
| Opposition | Anti-Federalists opposed due to lack of a bill of rights |
| Amendments | First Amendment, Equal Rights Amendment |
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What You'll Learn
The US Constitution was drafted in 1787
The delegates were chosen by the state legislatures of 12 of the 13 original states; Rhode Island refused to send delegates. The convention's initial mandate was to amend the Articles of Confederation, which had proven ineffective in meeting the young nation's needs. However, the delegates quickly began considering replacing the Articles. The first proposal, introduced by Virginia delegates, called for a bicameral (two-house) Congress elected proportionally based on state population, an elected chief executive, and an appointed judiciary. This was known as the Virginia Plan, and an alternative was the New Jersey Plan, which retained the legislative structure.
The delegates represented a wide range of interests and views, and they crafted compromises to create a powerful central government while remaining loyal to their states. They set the terms for ratifying the Constitution, bypassing the state legislatures and calling for special ratifying conventions in each state. Ratification by nine of the 13 states was required to enact the new government, and this campaign was challenging due to opposition from Anti-Federalists who fought against the Constitution as it created a powerful central government and lacked a bill of rights.
The US Constitution's main provisions include seven articles that define the basic framework of the federal government. Despite amendments, each article's focus remains the same as when it was adopted in 1787. Article I describes the Congress, the legislative branch, and establishes the manner of election and qualifications of members. It sets the requirements for representatives, including a minimum age of 25, US citizenship for seven years, and residence in the state they represent.
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The Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia
The delegates to the convention were chosen by the state legislatures of 12 of the 13 original states, with Rhode Island refusing to send delegates. The convention resulted in the establishment of the United States Constitution, which created a federal government with more specific powers, including those related to conducting foreign relations. The Constitution also established a model of government that relied on a series of checks and balances by dividing federal authority between the legislative, judicial, and executive branches.
The drafting of the Constitution, often referred to as its framing, was completed at the Constitutional Convention, which assembled at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The convention's initial mandate was limited to amending the Articles of Confederation, but the delegates quickly began considering measures to replace them entirely. The first proposal, introduced by delegates from Virginia, called for a bicameral (two-house) Congress elected on a proportional basis based on state population, an elected chief executive, and an appointed judiciary.
The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia played a crucial role in shaping the future of the United States by providing a forum for delegates to debate and draft a new governing document. The convention ultimately led to the establishment of a stronger national government and a more effective framework for addressing the young nation's needs.
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The Articles of Confederation were replaced
The Articles of Confederation, officially the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, was an agreement and early body of law in the Thirteen Colonies, serving as the nation's first frame of government during the American Revolution. It was debated by the Second Continental Congress at present-day Independence Hall in Philadelphia between July 1776 and November 1777, finalised by the Congress on November 15, 1777, and came into force on March 1, 1781, after being ratified by all 13 colonial states.
The Articles of Confederation established the first governmental structure unifying the 13 colonies that had fought in the American Revolution. This document created the structure for the confederation of these newly independent states. It was in force since 1781, established as a "league of friendship" and a constitution for the 13 sovereign and independent states after the Revolution. However, the Articles seemed inadequate as the states retained considerable power, and the central government had insufficient power to regulate commerce, collect taxes, or enforce a uniform currency. It could not effectively support a war effort or settle disputes between states.
The U.S. Constitution's main provisions include seven articles that define the basic framework of the federal government. Article I describes the Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government. Section 1 reads, "All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives." The article establishes the manner of election and the qualifications of members of each body. Representatives must be at least 25 years old, be a citizen of the United States for seven years, and live in the state they represent.
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The Constitution was ratified by 9 of 13 states
The United States Constitution was drafted in 1787 at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. The convention was convened to amend the Articles of Confederation, which had been in force since 1781. However, the delegates soon began considering measures to replace the Articles, which were seen as inadequate in addressing the young nation's needs. The Articles gave the Confederation Congress the power to make rules and request funds from the states, but it lacked enforcement powers and could not regulate commerce or print money.
The Constitutional Convention was attended by delegates from 12 of the 13 original states, with Rhode Island refusing to send delegates. The delegates represented a wide range of interests and views, and they crafted compromises to create a powerful central government while maintaining loyalty to their individual states. The Constitution was signed by 38 delegates, with George Reed signing on behalf of the absent John Dickinson of Delaware, bringing the total to 39 signatures.
The Constitution was ratified by 9 of the 13 states, bypassing the state legislatures as the founders believed that their members would be reluctant to give up power to a national government. Instead, they called for special ratifying conventions in each state. The ratification process was a challenging one, with Federalists and Anti-Federalists engaged in a heated debate. The Federalists supported the Constitution and believed in the necessity of a strong central government to address the nation's challenges. On the other hand, the Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution due to its creation of a powerful central government and the lack of a bill of rights.
The tide turned in Massachusetts, where the "vote now, amend later" compromise helped secure victory and eventually led to the Constitution's enactment. The Constitution included seven articles that defined the basic framework of the federal government, with Article I describing the Congress, the legislative branch. The Constitution has since undergone amendments, but the focus of each article remains the same as when it was first adopted.
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The First Amendment mandates religious neutrality
The drafting of the US Constitution was completed at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia between May 25 and September 17, 1787. The Constitution's main provisions include seven articles that define the framework of the federal government. The first proposal discussed, introduced by delegates from Virginia, called for a bicameral (two-house) Congress elected based on state population, an elected chief executive, and an appointed judicial branch.
The First Amendment, which is part of the Constitution, has two provisions concerning religion: the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause. The Establishment Clause prohibits the government from establishing a religion. The precise definition of "establishment" is unclear, but it has historically meant prohibiting state-sponsored churches, such as the Church of England. The Free Exercise Clause protects citizens' right to practice their religion, as long as it does not conflict with "public morals" or a "compelling" government interest.
The concept of neutrality is essential in interpreting the Establishment Clause. The government must remain neutral and maintain voluntarism in religious matters. This means that the government cannot advance or inhibit religion in its actions. The Supreme Court has established a three-part test, known as the "Lemon" test, to determine if government assistance to religion is permissible. Firstly, the primary purpose of the assistance must be secular. Secondly, the assistance must neither promote nor inhibit religion. Lastly, there should be no excessive entanglement between church and state.
The First Amendment also enforces governmental neutrality in religious disputes. When schisms occur within churches or between local churches and their general church, the government is prevented from inquiring into religious doctrine to settle these disputes. Instead, courts are required to respect the decision-making body or process within the church and uphold the officially and properly made decisions. This approach ensures that religious organizations have independence from secular control and the power to decide matters of church government, faith, and doctrine without state interference.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution was drafted to replace the Articles of Confederation, which gave the Confederation Congress the power to make rules and request funds from the states, but it had no enforcement powers, couldn’t regulate commerce, or print money.
The US Constitution initially mandated that each representative in the House of Representatives should represent 33,000 citizens.
Members of the House of Representatives must be at least 25 years old, be a citizen of the United States for seven years, and live in the state they represent.
The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 was significant because it assembled delegates from 12 of the 13 original states to draft and sign the US Constitution, creating a powerful central government to replace the ineffective Articles of Confederation.
