Jonah Patel
The US Constitution, the oldest and longest-standing written and codified national constitution in force, begins with the famous words, We the People. The Preamble, as it is known, consists of the first 52 words of the Constitution, which introduce the articles and amendments that follow. The opening words, We the People, represented a new thought: the idea that the people, not the states, were the source of the government's legitimacy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Constitution of the United States |
| Opening words | "We the People" |
| Number of articles | Seven |
| Number of amendments | 27 |
| First 10 amendments known as | Bill of Rights |
| Date of signing | September 17, 1787 |
| Date of ratification | June 21, 1788 |
| Date superseded the Articles of Confederation | March 4, 1789 |
| Date of first 10 amendments ratification | December 15, 1791 |
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What You'll Learn
The first three articles
The Constitution of the United States is the oldest and longest-standing written and codified national constitution in the world. It superseded the Articles of Confederation, the nation's first constitution, on March 4, 1789. The Constitution's first three articles embody the doctrine of the separation of powers, dividing the federal government into three branches.
The first article, Article I, establishes the Legislative Branch, consisting of the bicameral Congress. It assigns the responsibility for making laws to this branch. Congress is divided into two parts, or "houses": the House of Representatives and the Senate. The bicameral Congress was a compromise between large states, which wanted representation based on population, and small states, which wanted states to have equal representation.
Article II establishes the Executive Branch, consisting of the President and subordinate officers.
Article III establishes the Judicial Branch, consisting of the Federal Court System, which includes the Supreme Court and other federal courts. Federal judges are appointed for life unless they commit a serious crime.
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The legislative branch
The US Constitution is composed of a preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. The first three articles embody the doctrine of the separation of powers, dividing the federal government into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial.
The Senate, on the other hand, is the upper chamber of Congress and is often referred to as the "cooling saucer." Each state is equally represented by two senators, regardless of its population. Senators were originally elected by their state legislatures, but the Seventeenth Amendment (1913) modified this process, stipulating that senators be elected by direct popular vote. This amendment also allows state legislatures to permit their governors to make temporary appointments until special elections can be held.
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The executive branch
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the United States of America. It superseded the Articles of Confederation, the nation's first constitution, on March 4, 1789. The Constitution's first three articles embody the doctrine of the separation of powers, dividing the federal government into three branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial.
The Vice President is also part of the executive branch and is ready to assume the Presidency if the need arises. The Cabinet and independent federal agencies are responsible for the day-to-day enforcement and administration of federal laws. These departments and agencies have diverse missions and responsibilities, ranging from national defence to environmental protection and social security.
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The judicial branch
The Preamble, which begins with the words "We the People", is the introductory statement of the Constitution of the United States. It sets out the purpose of the constitution and the principles on which it is founded. Now, here is an overview of the Judicial Branch of the US government.
Article III grants Congress significant discretion in shaping the federal judiciary. Congress determines the structure of the judiciary and can establish courts inferior to the Supreme Court. These inferior courts include the United States district courts, which try most federal cases, and 13 United States courts of appeals. The decisions of these lower courts can be appealed to the Supreme Court, which serves as the final judicial arbiter on matters of federal law.
The members of the Judicial Branch, including Supreme Court Justices, are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Justices hold their offices during "good behaviour" and receive compensation that cannot be diminished during their continuance in office. This insulation from political pressure is designed to ensure impartiality and protect the integrity of the judicial process.
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The Preamble
Firstly, "We the People" signifies that the government's legitimacy derives from the people, marking a departure from the previous emphasis on states. This phrase, coined by Gouverneur Morris of Pennsylvania, who chaired the convention's Committee of Style, represents an important shift in thinking. It implies that the power rests with the citizens, collectively, as a unified whole.
The subsequent phrases outline the key goals of the Constitution. "To form a more perfect Union" expresses the intent to create a stronger and more cohesive union of the states, addressing the challenges posed by diverse interests, laws, and cultures across the nation. "Establish Justice" reflects the desire to institute a fair and impartial system of justice, ensuring equal treatment under the law. "Insure domestic Tranquility" aims to guarantee peace and order within the country, fostering a stable environment for its citizens.
Additionally, "provide for the common defence" underscores the commitment to safeguard the nation and its citizens from external threats, ensuring their protection. "Promote the general Welfare" signifies the importance given to the well-being and prosperity of the people, indicating that the government should work for the benefit of all. Lastly, "secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity" emphasizes the preservation of liberty and freedom for both the present and future generations, solidifying the enduring nature of these rights.
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Frequently asked questions
The beginning of the US Constitution is known as the Preamble.
The first three words of the US Constitution are "We the People".
The phrase "We the People" represented a new thought: the idea that the people and not the states were the source of the government's legitimacy.
