Omar Bennett
The U.S. Constitution is the fundamental framework of America's federal system of government. It sets out the structure of the government and the rights and freedoms that are protected against government interference. The Constitution is a document that has been copied and admired worldwide, and its ongoing relevance is often discussed and debated. Asking questions about the Constitution is an important way to understand its significance and influence, and to explore how it continues to shape the country's politics and policies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of words in the Constitution | 4,543 |
| Average age of the deputies to the Constitutional Convention | 44 |
| Location of the Constitutional Convention | Philadelphia |
| Average age of the delegates at the Constitutional Convention | 42 |
| Youngest delegate to the Constitutional Convention | 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey |
| Oldest delegate to the Constitutional Convention | 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania |
| Number of lawyers at the Constitutional Convention | 34 out of 55 |
| Number of States that ratified the Constitution | 9 |
| Party names for those who favored and opposed ratification | Federalists and Antifederalists |
| Number of electors in the Electoral College | 538 |
| Longest-serving president of the United States | Franklin D. Roosevelt (4 terms) |
| Relevance of the Constitution in modern times | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
What is the word count of the Constitution?
The United States Constitution, originally proposed on September 17, 1787, contains 4,543 words, including the signatures of 39 of the 55 delegates representing the states. The Constitution is composed of a preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments, the first 10 of which are known as the Bill of Rights. The first 52 words of the Constitution introduce the articles and amendments that follow.
Article I is the longest article and has been amended the most. It details the form and function of the United States Congress, designating it as a bicameral body composed of a Senate and a House of Representatives, with legislative powers. Article II establishes the executive branch of government, with the President as its head, and the President is also Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Article III outlines the judicial branch, with the Supreme Court as the highest court in the land.
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and all legislative, executive, and judicial officers must take an oath to support it. It provides the fundamental framework for America's federal system of government, outlining the structure of the government and the rights and freedoms protected against government interference. The Constitution also establishes the Electoral College as the system for electing the President, with 538 electors drawn from the states and the District of Columbia.
The Constitution took effect in June 1788 when it was ratified by nine states. Interestingly, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations did not send deputies to the Constitutional Convention, and Benjamin Franklin, at 81, was the oldest member of the Convention, while Jonathan Dayton, at 26, was the youngest.
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Who were the youngest and oldest members of the Constitutional Convention?
The Constitutional Convention, which lasted about four months, from May 25 to September 17, 1787, was made up of 55 delegates, 39 of whom signed the Constitution. The average age of the delegates was 42, though some sources place the average age at 44. The youngest delegate was 26-year-old Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey. The oldest delegate was Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, who was 81 years old at the time. Franklin was so infirm that he had to be carried to sessions in a sedan chair. Despite his age, Franklin played an instrumental role at the convention, contributing to various debates and discussions that ultimately resulted in the formation and adoption of the United States Constitution. His presence at the convention symbolized not just age but a wealth of experience.
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What is the role of the Electoral College?
The Electoral College is a process, not a physical place, established by the Founding Fathers in the US Constitution. It is the system of electing the president and vice president of the United States. The College is made up of 538 electors from the states and the District of Columbia, with each state having the same number of electors as it has members in its Congressional delegation. The District of Columbia is treated like a state for the purposes of the Electoral College under the 23rd Amendment of the Constitution.
The Electoral College process consists of three steps: the selection of electors, the meeting of electors where they vote for President and Vice President, and the counting of electoral votes by Congress. Electors are chosen by voters in each state, and each candidate running for President in a state has their own group of electors, known as a slate. These slates are generally chosen by the candidate's political party, but state laws vary on how electors are selected and what their responsibilities are. Most states operate a "winner-take-all" system, awarding all electors to the candidate who wins the state's popular vote. However, electors are not bound to vote for the candidate chosen by their state's popular vote, and technically have the legal right to vote for whomever they wish.
To win the presidential election, a candidate needs the vote of at least 270 electors, which is more than half of all electors. While it is possible to win the Electoral College but lose the popular vote, as happened in 2016 and 2000, a candidate must receive the majority of electoral votes to win. If no candidate receives the majority of votes, the vote goes to the House of Representatives.
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Why is the Constitution still relevant?
The US Constitution is still relevant because it is the fundamental framework of America's federal system of government. It sets out the structure of the government and the rights and freedoms that are protected against government interference. The Constitution's provisions for limited government and the division of power between federal and state governments are also still relevant and important.
The Constitution's relevance is evident in how it continues to influence the country's politics and policies. It established the system of electing the president of the United States, the Electoral College, which is still in place today. Additionally, the Constitution guarantees personal freedoms and civil rights, which have been expanded over time through significant Supreme Court cases. These rights include the 14th Amendment's promise of equality, which has been historically challenged by disadvantaged groups.
The Constitution's principles of liberty and equality are also still relevant and have yet to be fully realized. While the original document did not give citizens much say in the election of their officials, amendments and changes have been made to address these issues. However, substantial barriers, such as gerrymandering, voter registration, and voter ID laws, still restrain the power of the vote.
Furthermore, the Framers' recognition of the need for a written and explicit charter with limited powers is still significant. They understood that the preservation of individual liberty required a separation of powers between different branches of government, with checks and balances in place. This idea of limited government and the separation of powers continues to be relevant in preventing constitutional abuses of power, as seen in cases like the Watergate scandal.
In conclusion, the US Constitution remains relevant as it provides the foundational framework for the country's government, rights, and freedoms. It has influenced policies and politics, and its principles continue to guide and challenge the nation, even as interpretations and applications evolve with the times.
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What are the checks and balances of government power?
The US Constitution divides the government into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. This separation of powers is an important decision as it gives specific powers to each branch and sets up checks and balances. The checks and balances system ensures that no single branch can control too much power.
The legislative branch makes laws, but the President in the executive branch can veto those laws. The judicial branch can declare those laws unconstitutional. The executive branch, through Federal agencies, enforces Federal laws.
The legislative branch can approve Presidential nominations, control the budget, and impeach the President. The executive branch can declare Executive Orders, which are like proclamations that carry the force of law, but the judicial branch can declare those acts unconstitutional. The judicial branch interprets laws, but the President nominates Supreme Court justices, court of appeals judges, and district court judges. The legislative branch confirms the President’s nominations for judicial positions, and Congress can impeach and remove judges from office.
Checks and balances that have evolved from custom and Constitutional conventions include the congressional committee system and investigative powers, the role of political parties, and presidential influence in initiating legislation.
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Frequently asked questions
The Constitution contains 4,543 words, including signatures but excluding certificates and interlineations.
Reading the Constitution typically takes about 30 minutes.
The U.S. Constitution is the foundational document of America's federal system, outlining the government's structure and protecting citizens' rights and freedoms.
Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest member, while Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, was the youngest.
Yes, Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the Constitution authorizes Congress to "lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises."
