The Constitution's Conclusion: Understanding The End

The Constitution of the United States, one of the longest-lived and most emulated constitutions in the world, is a powerful document outlining the framework of the US government. It was created in response to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, America's first constitution, which lacked enforcement powers and the ability to regulate commerce or print money. The Constitution of the United States begins with the famous words We the People and is composed of an introductory paragraph, or Preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. But what is the end of this important document called?

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The US Constitution is composed of a preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments

The US Constitution is a comprehensive legal framework encompassing a preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. It serves as the foundational document for the country's governance and outlines the rights and responsibilities of its citizens.

The preamble, commencing with the iconic phrase "We the People," sets the tone for the entire Constitution. It establishes the purpose of the government, highlighting the importance of unity, justice, domestic tranquility, common defence, and the welfare of the people. This introductory paragraph provides a philosophical underpinning for the subsequent articles and amendments.

The seven articles that follow the preamble form the structural backbone of the Constitution. Each article delves into specific aspects of governance, including the powers and responsibilities of the three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Article One addresses the legislative branch, outlining the powers of Congress and the procedures for lawmaking. Article Two focuses on the executive branch, detailing the office, qualifications, and duties of the President. It also establishes the President as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Article Three covers the judicial branch, establishing the Supreme Court and outlining its role in interpreting the law and resolving disputes.

The remaining articles address other critical aspects of governance. Article Four discusses the relationship between the states, guaranteeing a republican form of government and protection against invasion and domestic violence. Article Five outlines the amendment process, shielding certain clauses from amendment and providing a mechanism for proposing and ratifying changes to the Constitution. Article Six affirms the supremacy of the Constitution and federal law over state laws and establishes the role of federal officials. Article Seven concludes the main body of the Constitution, outlining the process for its ratification.

The 27 amendments to the Constitution represent the dynamic nature of this founding document. The first 10 amendments, collectively known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified in 1791 and protect fundamental freedoms such as speech, religion, and assembly. Subsequent amendments address a range of issues, including the abolition of slavery, voting rights, and the election process. The ability to amend the Constitution ensures that it remains adaptable to the evolving needs and values of American society.

The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights

The Constitution of the United States comprises a preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. The first 10 amendments, commonly known as the Bill of Rights, were proposed by Congress in 1789 and ratified in 1791. These amendments were added to the Constitution to address the objections raised by Anti-Federalists, who wanted power to remain with state and local governments and favoured a bill of rights to safeguard individual liberty.

The amendments of the Bill of Rights add to the Constitution specific guarantees of personal freedoms, such as freedom of speech, the right to publish, practice religion, possess firearms, assemble, and other natural and legal rights. The concepts codified in these amendments are built upon those in earlier documents, especially the Virginia Declaration of Rights, the Northwest Ordinance, the English Bill of Rights, and the Magna Carta.

The Bill of Rights also includes explicit declarations that all powers not specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved for the states or the people. This was intended to limit government power and protect individual liberties. For example, the First Amendment prohibits Congress from making laws establishing a religion or abridging freedom of speech. The Fourth Amendment safeguards citizens' right to be free from unreasonable government intrusion in their homes through the requirement of a warrant.

The Bill of Rights had little judicial impact for the first 150 years of its existence. This was partly because it took time for a "culture of tolerance" to develop that would support the Bill's provisions with judicial and popular will. In the 20th century, most of the Bill's provisions were applied to the states via the Fourteenth Amendment.

The final draft was presented to the convention on September 12

The final draft of the US Constitution was presented to the convention on September 12, 1787. It contained seven articles, a preamble, and a closing endorsement, of which Morris was the primary author. The preamble, which begins with the famous words "We the People," lays out the purposes of the new government. The seven articles that follow define the government's framework. The final document was engrossed by Jacob Shallus and taken up at the convention's final session on September 17, 1787.

The creation of the US Constitution was a response to the weaknesses of America's first constitution, the Articles of Confederation, which gave the Confederation Congress limited powers and threatened to tear the young country apart. James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington were among those who feared their country was on the brink of collapse. In 1787, a Grand Convention of state delegates was organized to work on revising the Articles of Confederation. The convention, held in Philadelphia, was tasked with revising the existing government, but ultimately created a powerful central government.

The final draft of the Constitution was the result of heated debates and compromises. The document was signed by 39 delegates, including George Reed, who signed on behalf of the absent John Dickinson of Delaware. Several delegates were disappointed in the result, with some leaving before the ceremony and three refusing to sign. Benjamin Franklin, one of the signers, summed up the sentiments of many by accepting the Constitution despite his misgivings, as he believed it was the best option available.

The Constitution was ratified on June 21, 1788, and has since been amended 27 times. The first 10 amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified on December 15, 1791. The US Constitution stands today as one of the longest-lived and most emulated constitutions in the world.

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The final document was engrossed by Jacob Shallus

The US Constitution is a significant document outlining the fundamentals of governing a new nation. The final draft of this historic document was engrossed by Jacob Shallus, a clerk, on four sheets of parchment. Shallus, a 37-year-old Pennsylvanian, was a merchant in Philadelphia and a veteran of the Revolutionary War. He had served as a battalion quartermaster and later became a deputy commissary general for Pennsylvania.

Shallus was tasked with transcribing the Constitution in his role as assistant clerk of the Pennsylvania Assembly. The delegates approved the final draft on Saturday, September 15, 1787, and Shallus had until Monday, September 17, to prepare the document for signing. He was given the drafts, notes, and revisions, and he meticulously transcribed over 25,000 letters, amounting to nearly 4,500 words. Shallus completed this arduous task in approximately 35 hours, producing an elegant and dignified script.

The process of engrossing the Constitution was not without challenges. Shallus had to work within a tight timeframe, and even an experienced clerk like him made some mistakes. He added an errata at the end of the document to address these errors, just above the signatures. Shallus's contribution to the creation of the US Constitution is a testament to his competence and trustworthiness.

The original document, inscribed by Shallus, is on permanent display in the Rotunda at the National Archives. Visitors can admire his handwriting and the bold concepts of this momentous document. Shallus's name is now associated with a pivotal moment in American history, and his role in engrossing the Constitution has earned him a place in the annals of the nation's founding story.

The process of engrossing the Constitution by Jacob Shallus highlights the importance of accuracy and attention to detail in drafting foundational documents. It also underscores the challenges of creating a governing framework under time constraints. Shallus's work serves as a reminder of the meticulous effort required to establish the foundation of a nation.

The closing endorsement is signed by 39 framers

The United States Constitution is composed of a preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, and ratified on June 21, 1788. The final draft, presented to the convention on September 12, contained seven articles, a preamble, and a closing endorsement, of which Morris was the primary author. The closing endorsement is untitled and is signed by 39 framers. Thirty-eight delegates signed the Constitution, with George Reed signing for the absent John Dickinson of Delaware, bringing the total number of signatures to 39.

The Constitution was inscribed by Jacob Shallus on parchment, and the document is on display in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum. The spelling and punctuation of the document reflect the original. The Constitution was the result of delegates revising the existing government, and they ended up creating a powerful central government. The delegates represented wildly different interests and views, and they crafted compromises. The Constitution stands today as one of the longest-lived and most emulated constitutions in the world.

The Constitution was created a few years after the Revolutionary War, as James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington feared their young country was on the brink of collapse. America’s first constitution, the Articles of Confederation, 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 delegates assembled in Philadelphia in May of 1787.

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