Jonah Patel
The U.S. Constitution, beginning with the words We the People, is the oldest and longest-standing written and codified national constitution in force. It superseded the Articles of Confederation, the nation's first constitution, on March 4, 1789, and was composed of the Preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. 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 convention was presided over by George Washington, who was unanimously elected for the role, and delegates from 12 of the 13 original states attended.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of drafting | May 25, 1787–September 17, 1787 |
| Location of drafting | Independence Hall, Philadelphia |
| Signed | September 17, 1787 |
| Ratified | June 21, 1788 |
| Number of articles | 7 |
| Number of amendments | 27 |
| First 10 amendments known as | The Bill of Rights |
| First three articles | Embodiment of the doctrine of the separation of powers |
| Legislative branch | Bicameral Congress (Article I) |
| Executive branch | President and subordinate officers (Article II) |
| Judicial branch | Supreme Court and other federal courts (Article III) |
| Article IV, V, VI | Concepts of federalism, rights and responsibilities of state governments, and shared process of constitutional amendment |
| Article VII | Procedure for ratification by the 13 states |
| Delegates chosen by | State legislatures of 12 of the 13 original states |
| President of the Philadelphia convention | General George Washington |
| Protection of slave trade | Yes, to satisfy interests in the South |
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What You'll Learn
The Constitutional Convention
General George Washington was unanimously elected as the president of the convention. The first proposal discussed was introduced by delegates from Virginia, who called for a bicameral (two-house) Congress that would be elected on a proportional basis based on state populations. This proposal set the tone for the convention, as delegates worked to create a framework for a federal government that would address the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation.
The Constitution that emerged from the convention was composed of a preamble, seven articles, and, eventually, 27 amendments. The first three articles embodied the doctrine of the separation of powers, dividing the federal government into three branches: the legislative, consisting of a bicameral Congress (Article I); the executive, consisting of the president and subordinate officers (Article II); and the judicial, consisting of the Supreme Court and other federal courts (Article III).
Articles IV, V, and VI outlined the concepts of federalism, describing the rights and responsibilities of state governments, their relationship to the federal government, and the shared process of constitutional amendment. The delegates also adopted the Connecticut Compromise, which proposed a Congress with proportional representation in the lower house and equal representation in the Senate, with each state having two senators.
To satisfy interests in the South, particularly in Georgia and South Carolina, the delegates made concessions to protect the slave trade for 20 years. Slavery was further protected by allowing states to count three-fifths of their slave population for representation in the federal government and requiring the return of escaped slaves to their owners, even from states where slavery had been abolished. These compromises ensured the ratification of the Constitution and held the Union together, but they also perpetuated slavery for six more decades.
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Replacing the Articles of Confederation
The United States Constitution superseded the Articles of Confederation, which was the nation's first constitution, on March 4, 1789. The Articles of Confederation were ineffective in meeting the young nation's needs, and almost immediately, delegates began considering measures to replace them. The drafting of the Constitution, often referred to as its framing, was completed at the Constitutional Convention, which assembled at Independence Hall in Philadelphia between May 25 and September 17, 1787. The convention's initial mandate was limited to amending the Articles of Confederation. However, the delegates began to consider more significant changes, including the proposal for a bicameral (two-house) Congress that would be elected on a proportional basis based on state population.
General George Washington was unanimously elected president of the Constitutional Convention. The famous first 52 words of the Constitution, beginning with "We the People," introduce the articles and amendments that follow. The Constitution is composed of the Preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. The first three articles embody the doctrine of separation of powers, dividing the federal government into three branches: the legislative, consisting of the bicameral Congress (Article I); the executive, consisting of the President and subordinate officers (Article II); and the judicial, consisting of the Supreme Court and other federal courts (Article III).
Articles IV, V, and VI embody concepts of federalism, describing the rights and responsibilities of state governments, the states' relationship to the federal government, and the shared process of constitutional amendment. The delegates to the convention were chosen by the state legislatures of 12 of the 13 original states; Rhode Island refused to send delegates. To satisfy interests in the South, particularly in Georgia and South Carolina, the delegates agreed to protect the slave trade for 20 years. Slavery was further protected by allowing states to count three-fifths of their slaves as part of their populations for representation in the federal government.
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Separation of powers
The United States Constitution is the oldest and longest-standing written and codified national constitution in force. It superseded the Articles of Confederation, the nation's first constitution, on March 4, 1789. The Constitution is composed of a preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights.
The first three articles of the Constitution 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 (Article I) consists of the bicameral Congress. The delegates from Virginia initially proposed a two-house Congress, with proportional representation based on state population. This proposal was adopted as the Connecticut Compromise, which allowed for proportional representation in the lower house and equal representation in the upper house (the Senate), with each state having two senators.
The executive branch (Article II) consists of the President and subordinate officers. General George Washington was unanimously elected as the president of the Philadelphia convention, which drafted the Constitution.
The judicial branch (Article III) consists of the Supreme Court and other federal courts.
The separation of powers was designed to ensure that no single branch of government held too much power and to protect the rights and liberties of the people. Each branch has specific powers and responsibilities, and they work together to govern the country while also serving as a system of checks and balances on each other's power.
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Ratification
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, and ratified on June 21, 1788. It is the oldest and longest-standing written and codified national constitution in force in the world.
The drafting of the Constitution, often referred to as its framing, was completed at the Constitutional Convention, which assembled at Independence Hall in Philadelphia between May 25 and September 17, 1787. The convention was initially intended to amend the Articles of Confederation, which had been ineffective in meeting the needs of the young nation. However, the delegates, chosen by the state legislatures of 12 of the 13 original states (Rhode Island did not send delegates), quickly began considering measures to replace the Articles.
The Constitution was ratified by the 13 states, as established by Article VII. The ratification process was aided by several compromises, including the protection of the slave trade for 20 years, allowing states to count three-fifths of their slaves as part of their populations for representation in the federal government, and requiring the return of escaped slaves to their owners. The Connecticut Compromise, which proposed a Congress with proportional representation in the lower house and equal representation in the Senate, with each state having two senators, was also crucial in maintaining the Union and facilitating ratification.
The Constitution superseded the Articles of Confederation, becoming the supreme law of the United States of America. It united the states, which previously acted together only for specific purposes, under a single national government. The Constitution's first three articles embody the separation of powers, dividing the federal government into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Following its ratification, the Constitution remained in the custody of the Department of State, along with the Declaration, travelling with the federal government to various locations. In 1921, it was transferred to the Library of Congress for preservation and exhibition.
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The Bill of Rights
The Constitution of the United States is the oldest and longest-standing written and codified national constitution in use in the world. The drafting of the Constitution, often referred to as its framing, was completed at the Constitutional Convention, which assembled at Independence Hall in Philadelphia between May 25 and September 17, 1787. The Convention was presided over by General George Washington, who was unanimously elected for the role. The delegates to the convention were chosen by the state legislatures of 12 of the 13 original states; Rhode Island refused to send delegates.
The first ten amendments to the Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights. These amendments were ratified on December 15, 1791, and form the basis of the rights and freedoms of US citizens. The Bill of Rights includes the right to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to keep and bear arms, and the right to due process of law, among others. These rights are designed to protect individuals from government overreach and to guarantee certain liberties.
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Frequently asked questions
The U.S. Constitution was constructed during the Constitutional Convention, which took place at Independence Hall in Philadelphia between May 25 and September 17, 1787. The convention was initially intended to amend the Articles of Confederation, but delegates soon began considering measures to replace them. The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, and ratified on June 21, 1788.
Delegates to the convention were chosen by the state legislatures of 12 of the 13 original states; Rhode Island did not send any delegates. General George Washington was unanimously elected as the president of the convention.
To satisfy interests in the South, the delegates agreed to protect the slave trade for 20 years. Slavery was further protected by allowing states to count three-fifths of their slaves as part of their populations for representation in the federal government and by requiring the return of escaped slaves to their owners. The delegates also adopted the Connecticut Compromise, which proposed a Congress with proportional representation in the lower house and equal representation in the Senate, giving each state two senators.
