Jonah Patel
The United States Constitution is a four-page document that was drafted in 1787 and signed on September 17 of the same year. It established the government of the United States and superseded the Articles of Confederation, which had attempted to retain as much independence and sovereignty for the states as possible. The Constitution's main provisions include seven articles that define the basic framework of the federal government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It is the supreme law of the United States and is permanently housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Pages | 4 |
| Date of Signing | September 17, 1787 |
| Date Superseded the Articles of Confederation | March 4, 1789 |
| Number of Articles | 7 |
| Date of Ratification | June 1788 |
| Number of States that Ratified the Constitution | 9 |
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What You'll Learn
The four-page document was signed on September 17, 1787
The United States Constitution, comprising four pages, was signed on September 17, 1787, by delegates to the Constitutional Convention. The Federal Convention first convened in the State House (Independence Hall) in Philadelphia on May 14, 1787, with the goal of revising the Articles of Confederation, which had served as the country's first constitution. However, it soon became apparent that a completely new framework of government was required.
The delegates, chosen by the state legislatures of 12 of the 13 original states (Rhode Island did not send delegates), worked throughout the summer in closed sessions, debating and redrafting the articles of the new Constitution. The four-page document they produced established the government of the United States and replaced the Articles of Confederation on March 4, 1789.
The Constitution's seven articles outline the basic structure of the federal government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The legislative branch consists of a bicameral Congress with a Senate and House of Representatives. The executive branch is led by the President and subordinate officers, while the judicial branch comprises the Supreme Court and other federal courts.
The Constitution also addressed issues such as how much power to grant the central government, the number of representatives in Congress for each state, and the manner of their election. The document was the result of compromise and cooperation, uniting states with diverse interests, laws, and cultures under a single union. It has been amended numerous times since its ratification, but its core principles remain unchanged.
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It established the US government
The US Constitution, comprising four pages, established the government of the United States. It is the supreme law of the United States of America and superseded the Articles of Confederation, the nation's first constitution, on March 4, 1789. The Constitution's main provisions include seven articles that define the basic framework of the federal government.
The Constitution's first three articles embody the doctrine of the separation of powers, dividing the federal government into three branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. The legislative branch consists of the bicameral Congress (Article I), the executive branch is made up of the president and subordinate officers (Article II), and the judicial branch comprises the Supreme Court and other federal courts (Article III).
The drafting of the Constitution, often referred to as its framing, was completed at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia between May 25 and September 17, 1787. 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's initial goal was to amend the Articles of Confederation, which had become ineffective in meeting the nation's needs. However, the delegates soon began considering a replacement for the Articles.
The Constitution acted as a merger, uniting states with diverse interests, laws, and cultures under a single government. It established a system of checks and balances, with Congress playing a key role in this system. The Constitution also provided for an annual meeting on the first Monday in December, unless otherwise specified by law. This resulted in a "lame duck" Congress convening when a new Congress was elected but did not take office until the following March. This issue was later addressed by moving the beginning of the president's term to January 20 and Congress's term to January 3.
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It superseded the Articles of Confederation
The original United States Constitution, signed on September 17, 1787, by the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a 4-page document. It is comprised of a preamble, seven original articles, and a clause addressing the document's adoption.
Now, delving into the topic of how it superseded the Articles of Confederation:
The United States Constitution superseded the Articles of Confederation, marking a significant shift in the country's governmental structure. The Articles of Confederation, adopted in 1781, served as the first constitution of the United States during the critical period following the Revolutionary War. However, its weaknesses prompted the call for a new governing framework, leading to the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The Constitution that emerged from this convention not only replaced the Articles but also established a more robust and effective system of government.
The Articles of Confederation had established a loose confederation of states, with a weak central government that lacked the power to effectively regulate commerce, tax, or manage foreign relations. The states held most of the power, and the central government was dependent on the states for financial support, giving them considerable leverage. This led to a situation where the states often pursued their interests at the expense of the nation as a whole, and the central government struggled to enact policies or pass legislation that would benefit the entire country.
The Constitution addressed these shortcomings by creating a federal system with a stronger central government and a clear division of powers. It established three distinct branches of government—legislative, executive, and judicial—with a system of checks and balances to ensure that no single branch became too powerful. The legislative branch was vested in a bicameral Congress, with the House of Representatives and the Senate, giving both the people (through their representatives in the House) and the states (through equal representation in the Senate) a voice in law-making. The executive branch was headed by a president, who was given significant powers, including the role of commander-in-chief of the armed forces and the ability to appoint federal judges. The judicial branch was established to ensure fair and impartial interpretation of the laws and resolution of disputes.
By superseding the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution provided the framework for a more cohesive and effective national government. It granted the federal government explicit powers to regulate interstate and foreign commerce, coin money, establish a postal service, and raise and support an army and navy. Additionally, it included a Necessary and Proper Clause, also known as the Elastic Clause, which granted Congress the power to "make all laws which shall be necessary and proper" to carry out its enumerated powers. This allowed for a more flexible and adaptable government, capable of addressing the needs of a growing nation.
In conclusion, the United States Constitution's superseding of the Articles of Confederation was a pivotal moment in the nation's history, establishing a durable framework for governance that endures to this day.
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It was drafted in secret
The United States Constitution is a four-page document that was signed on September 17, 1787, establishing the government of the United States. It was drafted in secret by delegates to the Constitutional Convention during the summer of 1787. The Federal Convention convened in the State House (Independence Hall) in Philadelphia on May 14, 1787, to revise the Articles of Confederation.
The Articles of Confederation, America's first constitution, 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 states' disputes over territory, war pensions, taxation, and trade threatened to tear the young country apart. James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington, fearing their young country was on the brink of collapse, helped convince Congress to organize a Grand Convention of state delegates to work on revising the Articles of Confederation.
The Constitutional Convention assembled in Philadelphia in May of 1787. Because delegations from only two states were initially present, the members adjourned until a quorum of seven states was obtained on May 25. Through discussion and debate, it became clear by mid-June that the Convention would not amend the existing Articles but would instead draft an entirely new frame of government. All through the summer, in closed sessions, the delegates debated and redrafted the articles of the new Constitution.
The debates and discussions during the drafting of the Constitution were kept secret to ensure that delegates could speak their minds freely. The delegates represented wildly different interests and views, and they crafted compromises to accommodate these differences. The chief points at issue were how much power to allow the central government, how many representatives in Congress to allow each state, and how these representatives should be elected.
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It is housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C
The original copy of the U.S. Constitution is housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. The National Archives is the permanent home of the United States Constitution. All four pages of the document are on permanent display. The four-page document was signed on September 17, 1787, and established the government of the United States.
The National Archives is a significant institution that houses and preserves important historical records, including the U.S. Constitution. It serves as a repository of valuable information and a testament to the nation's history and development. The Archives play a crucial role in making the Constitution accessible to the public, allowing people to learn about and appreciate the foundational document of the United States.
The Constitution's journey to the National Archives in Washington, D.C., holds a significant place in history. Over time, it has become a symbol of the nation's unity and a reminder of the collaborative efforts that shaped the country's future. The Archives not only safeguard the physical document but also ensure its longevity and preservation for future generations to study and admire.
The National Archives serve as a reminder of the country's shared history and the principles that unite its citizens. The institution acts as a guardian of democratic values and a witness to the nation's evolution. By housing the Constitution, the Archives contribute to the preservation of the nation's identity and provide a tangible connection to the ideals upon which the country was founded.
The display of the Constitution in the National Archives reinforces the idea of transparency and accessibility. It invites people to reflect on the nation's founding principles and the rights and responsibilities inherent in them. The Archives serve as a bridge between the past and the present, allowing visitors to develop a deeper understanding of the nation's history and a greater appreciation for the present.
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Frequently asked questions
The original United States Constitution is four pages long.
The original copy of the Constitution is housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. All four pages of the document are on permanent display.
The Constitution was drafted in secret by delegates to the Constitutional Convention during the summer of 1787 and signed on September 17, 1787.
