Simone Lawson
The United States Constitution is a vital document in the history of the nation, outlining the rights and responsibilities of the government and the people. One of the most famous phrases from the Constitution is the Preamble: We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. This phrase encapsulates the core principles and ideals upon which the nation was founded, emphasizing the power of the people and their commitment to creating a fair and just society.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preamble | "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." |
| Congressional Powers | "All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives." |
| Election of Senators | "The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote." |
| Election of Representatives | "The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature." |
| Presidential Succession | "If a President shall not have been chosen before the time fixed for the beginning of his term, or if the President elect shall have failed to qualify, then the Vice President elect shall act as President until a President shall have qualified." |
| Presidential Term Limits | "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once." |
| Judicial Duty | "So, if a law be in opposition to the Constitution, if both the law and the Constitution apply to a particular case, so that the Court must either decide that case conformably to the law, disregarding the Constitution, or conformably to the Constitution, disregarding the law, the Court must determine which of these conflicting rules governs the case. This is of the very essence of judicial duty." |
| Equality Before the Law | "In view of the Constitution, in the eye of the law, there is in this country no superior, dominant, ruling class of citizens. There is no caste here. Our Constitution is color-blind, and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens. In respect of civil rights, all citizens are equal before the law. The humblest is the peer of the most powerful." |
| Right to Alter Government | "Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." |
| Quotes by Founding Fathers | Benjamin Franklin: "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." |
| Thomas Jefferson: "It is every American's right and obligation to read and interpret the Constitution for himself (or herself)." | |
| George Washington: "The Constitution is the guide which I will never abandon." |
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What You'll Learn
We the people of the United States..
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." This famous phrase from the preamble of the United States Constitution sets out the intentions and principles that underpin the nation's government.
The phrase "We the People" is significant because it establishes that the government's power derives from the people, a concept known as popular sovereignty. This idea is further reinforced in Article VII of the Constitution, which states that the establishment of the Constitution is done by the "Unanimous Consent of the States." This phrase recognises that the government's legitimacy stems from the consent and support of the governed.
The phrase continues by outlining the purposes of the government, which include forming a "more perfect Union," "establish [ing] Justice," and "insur [ing] domestic Tranquility." These goals reflect the Founding Fathers' desire to create a unified nation characterised by fairness and peace within its borders. The phrase also emphasises the importance of "common defence" and "general Welfare", indicating a commitment to protecting the nation and promoting the well-being of its citizens.
Finally, the phrase concludes by recognising the importance of securing "the Blessings of Liberty" for both the present and future generations. This part of the phrase underscores the belief that the government should protect the freedoms and rights of its citizens, ensuring that they can enjoy the benefits of liberty.
The full phrase, "We the People," encapsulates the core values and aspirations of the United States Constitution, serving as a reminder that the government exists to serve its people, protect their liberties, and promote justice, unity, and welfare within the nation.
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Governments are instituted among Men..
The phrase "Governments are instituted among Men" is a famous quote from the United States Constitution. It is part of a longer passage that reads:
> "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
This quote highlights the belief that governments are created by the people and derive their power from the people's consent. It also emphasizes the right of the people to change or overthrow a government that fails to secure their unalienable rights, which include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The passage has been attributed to James Madison in "The Constitution of the United States of America, with all of the Amendments; The Declaration of Independence; and The Articles of Confederation, annotated." It reflects the Founding Fathers' commitment to establishing a government that protects the inherent rights of its citizens and can be altered or abolished if it fails to do so.
This quote is a powerful reminder of the principles upon which the United States was founded and the importance of a government that is accountable to its people. It underscores the idea that the government's role is to secure the rights and safety of its citizens, and if it fails to do so, the people have the right to institute a new form of government.
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The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State..
The United States Constitution is a significant document in the country's history, with many famous phrases and quotes attributed to it. One of the most well-known passages relates to the composition of the Senate: "The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State..." This excerpt highlights the intention to provide equal representation for all states in the Senate, regardless of their size or population.
The phrase "The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State..." is part of the United States Constitution, specifically outlined in Article I, Section 3, Clause 1. This clause, often referred to as the "Great Compromise" or the "Connecticut Compromise," was established during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. The compromise addressed one of the most controversial aspects of the Constitution's drafting by ensuring equal representation in the Senate and proportional representation in the House of Representatives.
The inclusion of this phrase in the Constitution was a result of a unanimous vote by the delegates at the Convention. They agreed that each state would have two senators, chosen by the state legislature, serving six-year terms. This decision marked a departure from the Virginia Plan's initial proposal, which did not specify a length of term for either house of Congress but emphasised the importance of term lengths sufficient for members' independence. The delegates also agreed that senators would vote as individuals, rather than having one vote per state, as practised in the Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation.
The establishment of a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, was a key aspect of this clause. The Senate was envisioned to be a smaller body than the House, with the understanding that a smaller group could proceed "with more coolness, with more system, and with more wisdom." This distinction between the two houses of Congress aimed to balance representation with the efficiency and stability that longer, overlapping Senate terms could provide.
The Constitution further elaborates on the role and responsibilities of senators, including age and citizenship requirements, the process of filling vacancies, and the role of the Vice President as the President of the Senate. The Senate is also granted the sole power to try impeachments, with specific procedures outlined in cases of impeachment trials involving the President of the United States.
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The authority of the Supreme Court must not, therefore, be permitted to control the Congress..
The Constitution of the United States is a significant document that outlines the country's foundational principles and governmental structure. One of the most well-known phrases from the Constitution is, "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." This phrase emphasises the sovereignty of the people and the purpose of the Constitution to create a unified and just nation.
While the above phrase is one of the most famous, the prompt "The authority of the Supreme Court must not, therefore, be permitted to control the Congress" is also an important concept within the Constitution. This phrase reflects the belief that the Supreme Court's power should be limited and that Congress should have the ability to regulate the Court's actions. This interpretation is supported by various clauses within the Constitution and through historical applications.
Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution, which establishes the federal judiciary, states that "The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish." This clause indicates that while the Supreme Court is established by the Constitution, Congress has the power to organise and structure it. This includes the ability to determine the number of seats on the Supreme Court, as demonstrated by the Judiciary Act of 1789, which set the number of justices at six, and subsequent Acts that have altered this number over time.
The interpretation that Congress can control the Supreme Court is further supported by cases such as The Francis Wright, where the Court upheld Congress's power to confine Supreme Court review in admiralty cases to questions of law. In this case, the Court acknowledged that "while the appellate power of this court under the Constitution extends to all cases within the judicial power of the United States, actual jurisdiction under the power is confined within such limits as Congress sees fit to prescribe." This recognition highlights that the Supreme Court's jurisdiction is subject to Congressional control.
Additionally, in Wiscart v. D'Auchy, the majority decision stated that "if Congress had provided no rule to regulate our proceedings, we cannot exercise an appellate jurisdiction; and if the rule is provided, we cannot depart from it." This decision reinforces the idea that the Supreme Court's authority is dependent on Congressional authorisation and that the Court must operate within the boundaries set by Congress.
In conclusion, while the phrase "The authority of the Supreme Court must not, therefore, be permitted to control the Congress" may not be a direct quote from the Constitution, it reflects an interpretation of the document's separation of powers. The Constitution establishes the Supreme Court but grants Congress the ability to regulate its jurisdiction and organisation, thus limiting the Court's authority and ensuring it serves the interests of the people as outlined in the famous phrase, "We the people."
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The Constitution is colour-blind..
The phrase "We the People of the United States..." is one of the most famous from the Constitution. It is a powerful statement of unity and common purpose, and it is this phrase that begins the document.
Another famous phrase from the Constitution is "Our Constitution is colour-blind". This idea of colour-blindness was once considered a progressive attitude, propelling the fight against Jim Crow laws and racial segregation. The concept has its roots in the Enlightenment and was refined during the fight against slavery and the Civil Rights Movement. The notion of colour-blindness is based on the belief that people should be treated equally, without regard to race, in personal life and public policy.
The colour-blind principle was embraced by the NAACP, with Thurgood Marshall, an NAACP lawyer, drawing inspiration from Justice John Marshall Harlan's dissent in the 1896 Supreme Court case Plessy vs. Ferguson. In this case, the Court infamously ruled that "separate-but-equal" was constitutional, with Justice Harlan's lone dissent providing a glimmer of hope. Thurgood Marshall considered this dissent his "bible" in his legal battles against segregation.
Despite its progressive origins, colour-blindness has faced criticism and is now sometimes viewed with suspicion. Some see it as a surrender in the face of racism or even as a cover for racist beliefs. The term has become controversial, with some believing that claiming to be "colour-blind" demonstrates a lack of understanding of racial issues.
In conclusion, while the idea of colour-blindness has a noble history in the fight for racial equality, its interpretation and reception have evolved over time. The Constitution's colour-blindness is a powerful statement of equality, but it is essential to recognise that true equality requires acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges faced by different racial groups.
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no definitive answer to this, the preamble to the Constitution, beginning with "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America", is widely considered to be among the most famous phrases.
Other famous quotes from the US Constitution include:
- "Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
- "In view of the Constitution, in the eye of the law, there is in this country no superior, dominant, ruling class of citizens. There is no caste here. Our Constitution is color-blind, and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens. In respect of civil rights, all citizens are equal before the law."
- "The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States."
Yes, here are some famous quotes about the US Constitution:
- "It is every Americans' right and obligation to read and interpret the Constitution for himself (or herself)." —Thomas Jefferson
- "Don't interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties." —Abraham Lincoln
- "The Constitution is the guide which I will never abandon." —George Washington
