Isabella Carter
The U.S. Constitution is the oldest national constitution still in use and is considered a milestone in the protection of individual rights. It is important to understand the Constitution and ask questions about it, especially when it comes to politics and government affairs. Some questions that can be asked include: What are the strengths of the U.S. Constitution that have allowed it to survive the test of time? What was lacking in the Constitution when it was written in 1787, and does it lack anything now? What changes or amendments should be made? What are the implicit powers that the federal government needs to be effective? These questions encourage critical thinking about the Constitution and its role in shaping government policies and decisions.
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What You'll Learn
Who were the oldest and youngest members of the Constitutional Convention?
The Constitutional Convention, which took place in 1787, was made up of delegates from twelve of the original thirteen colonies. The average age of the 55 delegates was 42, with the youngest being 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey. Dayton was one of the 39 signers of the Constitution, the others being George Read, who signed on behalf of John Dickinson, and 37 others.
Benjamin Franklin, at 81 years old, was the oldest member of the convention. Franklin was so infirm that he had to be carried to sessions in a sedan chair. Despite his age, Franklin played an important role at the convention, contributing to debates and discussions that led to the formation and adoption of the United States Constitution. His presence at the convention symbolised not just age but a wealth of experience.
The convention also included four highly influential delegates in their thirties: Alexander Hamilton, Edmund Randolph, Gouvernor Morris, and James Madison. Over half of the delegates were college graduates, with nine from Princeton and six from British universities.
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What is the role of the federal government in printing money?
The Federal Reserve is responsible for controlling the supply of US dollars. While the Federal Reserve does not physically print currency, it does create money by purchasing securities on the open market, which adds funds to bank reserves. This, in turn, increases the amount of money in circulation as banks lend these funds out. The Federal Reserve also acts as the lender of last resort for commercial banks, providing loans through its discount window facilities.
The Federal Reserve's mandate is carried out at its own discretion, but it is influenced by the federal government's actions. When the government runs fiscal deficits and accumulates debt, the Federal Reserve has historically purchased the government's bonds. The federal government can also influence the amount of bank lending through its policies, which in turn affects the money supply.
The physical printing of currency is handled by the Treasury Department's Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), a division of the US Department of the Treasury. The BEP prints new bills based on demand forecasts from the Federal Reserve and then transfers them to the Federal Reserve for distribution to banks. The amount of currency printed by the BEP each year is determined by the Federal Reserve, which submits an order.
The Federal Reserve's role in creating money and the Treasury Department's role in printing it work together to ensure a stable supply of currency in the United States. While the Federal Reserve has independence in carrying out its mandate, it ultimately serves to support the federal government and the US economy.
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What is the mace of the House of Representatives?
The mace is a symbol of the authority of the House of Representatives. It is a scepter-like object that is placed in a rack at the front of the Speaker's podium whenever the House is in session and is sometimes carried in processions. The mace has been used in the House of Representatives since 1841, when the members met in the old House Chamber. The original mace was destroyed when the British burned the Capitol in 1814, and a wooden mace was used until the current mace was crafted by New York silversmith William Adams.
The mace is made of silver and ebony and consists of three parts: a bundled shaft of 13 rods, a silver globe, and an eagle with spread wings. The 13 rods represent the original 13 states of the Union, bound together by silver strands. The silver globe has the continents etched into it, with the Western Hemisphere facing forward. Perched atop the globe is a bald eagle, the national bird of the United States and another symbol of strength. The total weight of the mace is 13 pounds.
The mace is usually carried by the Sergeant at Arms, who uses it to maintain decorum in the Chamber of the House of Representatives. When the House is in session, the Sergeant at Arms carries the mace in front of the Speaker in procession to the rostrum, and the mace is placed on a pedestal to the Speaker's right. When the House is in committee, the mace is moved to a lowered position next to the Sergeant at Arms' desk, out of sight. On rare occasions, when a member becomes unruly, the Sergeant at Arms, upon the order of the Speaker, lifts the mace from its pedestal and presents it before the offender, restoring order.
The mace has silently witnessed many significant events in American history. For example, it was pictured behind President Franklin Delano Roosevelt when he asked a Joint Session of Congress to declare war against Japan on December 8, 1941. During the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, Joyce Hamlett, the Keeper of the Mace, rushed it off the floor of the House chamber to protect it from intruders. The mace has also been worn as a symbol of authority by Speaker Nancy Pelosi on several occasions, including during the session in which the House approved two articles of impeachment of Donald Trump.
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How were deputies to the convention chosen?
The deputies to the Constitutional Convention were chosen by appointment by the legislatures of the different states. There were no restrictions on the number of deputies a state could send.
The deputies were also referred to as "delegates" or "commissioners". They were representatives of their states, and Washington, for example, signed his name as "deputy from Virginia".
The Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia, in the State House where the Declaration of Independence was signed. It lasted about four months, from May 25 to September 17, 1787. All the states except Rhode Island and Providence Plantations responded to the invitation to send delegates. Of the 74 deputies chosen by the state legislatures, only 55 took part in the proceedings, and 39 signed the Constitution.
The deputies included many leading figures of the period, such as George Washington, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, James Wilson, John Rutledge, Charles Pinckney, Oliver Ellsworth, and Gouverneur Morris. The average age of the deputies was about 44, with Benjamin Franklin being the oldest at 81, and Jonathan Dayton being the youngest at 26.
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Does the Constitution still matter?
The U.S. Constitution is the oldest national constitution still in use, and it is considered a milestone in the protection of individual rights. The Founding Fathers drafted the Declaration of Independence, which was a formal statement declaring the U.S. its own country independent of Britain. The Constitution was written during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia from May to September 1787, with the goal of redesigning the system of government. It is the fundamental framework of America's federal system, setting out the structure of the government and the rights and freedoms protected against government interference.
The Constitution has been amended several times since its inception, and it continues to be a living document that can be changed to reflect the evolving needs of the nation. For instance, the 16th Amendment established the power to create an income tax. The Constitution also allows for changes in government structure, such as the Connecticut compromise, which gave each state equal representation in the House of Representatives.
However, some critics argue that the Constitution is outdated and does not address modern issues. They suggest that it lacks certain provisions necessary for the present day. For example, the Constitution does not explicitly mention the right to privacy, which has become a significant issue in the digital age. Additionally, the Constitution's protection of individual rights has been called into question, particularly regarding the government's ability to infringe upon these rights in the name of national security.
Despite these criticisms, the Constitution remains the highest law in the United States, and any changes to it must be carefully considered and ratified. It provides a framework for the government and protects the rights of citizens. The Constitution's enduring relevance is a testament to the Founding Fathers' vision of a nation built on principles of freedom and democracy.
In conclusion, while the Constitution may require updates to address modern challenges, it still forms the foundation of American governance and liberty. It continues to shape the country's political landscape and safeguard its citizens' freedoms, demonstrating its enduring significance in the present day.
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Frequently asked questions
Q: What is the mace of the House of Representatives and what purpose does it serve? A: The mace consists of thirteen ebony rods, each about three feet long, representing the thirteen original states.
