Malcolm Rivera
The US Constitution, which begins with the words We the People, is a document that establishes the framework of the federal government and unites the citizens of America as members of a whole. It is composed of an introductory paragraph known as the Preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments, with the first 10 amendments forming the Bill of Rights. The Constitution superseded the Articles of Confederation, the nation's first constitution, on March 4, 1789, and was signed on September 17, 1787, and ratified on June 21, 1788.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of sections | 4 |
| First section | Introductory paragraph titled "Preamble" |
| Number of articles | 7 |
| First three articles | Embodiment of the doctrine of the separation of powers |
| First article | Legislative branch consisting of the bicameral Congress |
| Second article | Executive branch consisting of the President and subordinate officers |
| Third article | Judicial branch consisting of the Supreme Court and other federal courts |
| Last four articles | Concepts of federalism, describing the rights and responsibilities of state governments, the states in relation to the federal government, and the shared process of constitutional amendment |
| Number of amendments | 27 |
| First 10 amendments | Known as the Bill of Rights |
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What You'll Learn
The Constitution's Preamble
The Constitution of the United States does not have a title. However, it begins with a preamble, which is an introductory paragraph that outlines the purposes of the new government. The Preamble, along with the seven articles and 27 amendments, make up the structural framework of the Constitution.
The Preamble begins with the famous words, "We the People," which embody the idea that the people, not the states, are the source of the government's legitimacy. This phrase, coined by Gouverneur Morris of Pennsylvania, is considered an improvement on the original draft, which listed the names of the 13 states after "We the People."
The Preamble goes on to state the six goals of the Constitution, which are to:
- Form a more perfect Union
- Establish Justice
- Insure domestic Tranquility
- Provide for the common defence
- Promote the general Welfare
- Secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity
These goals reflect the basic framework of the federal government and the unity of its citizens as members of a whole. The Constitution superseded the Articles of Confederation, the nation's first constitution, on March 4, 1789, and has been amended 27 times, with the first 10 amendments known as the Bill of Rights.
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Articles defining the federal government's framework
The US Constitution is titled "The Constitution of the United States". It begins with the words "We the People", and is composed of a preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights.
The seven articles define the framework of the federal government. The 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.
Article I establishes the legislative branch, which consists of a bicameral Congress comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives is composed of members chosen every second year by the people of the states, and the legislative powers granted are vested in the Congress. The Senate must approve important presidential appointments, including federal judges and cabinet officers.
Article II establishes the executive branch, vesting executive power in the President of the United States. The President is the head of state and government, and is responsible for ensuring that laws are faithfully executed. The President has the power to receive ambassadors, conduct foreign relations, and negotiate and sign treaties.
Article III establishes the judicial branch, which consists of the Supreme Court and other federal courts. The Supreme Court holds discretionary jurisdiction and can invalidate unconstitutional laws passed by Congress.
Articles IV, V, and VI embody the concept of federalism, outlining the rights and responsibilities of state governments and their relationship with the federal government. Article VII establishes the procedure for states to ratify the Constitution.
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Amendments
The US Constitution has 27 amendments, beginning with the Bill of Rights, which encompasses the first 10 amendments. The Reconstruction Amendments are the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments.
The amendment process involves two steps. Firstly, proposals to amend the Constitution must be adopted either by Congress, with a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, or by a national convention, which occurs when two-thirds of state legislatures collectively call for one. Secondly, the proposed amendment must be ratified by three-fourths of the states (38 out of 50), either through the consent of state legislatures or state ratifying conventions.
Since 1789, approximately 11,848 proposals to amend the Constitution have been introduced in Congress. Typically, members of the House and Senate propose around 200 amendments during each two-year term of Congress. However, none of the proposals made in recent decades have become part of the Constitution. Since 1999, only about 20 proposed amendments have received a vote by either the full House or Senate.
The Twenty-first Amendment, ratified in 1933, is unique in that it is the only amendment ratified through a state ratifying convention, and it is also the only amendment that explicitly repeals a previous amendment, the Eighteenth Amendment, which established the prohibition of alcohol.
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The Bill of Rights
The US Constitution is a document that establishes the framework of the federal government and outlines the rights and responsibilities of its citizens. It is composed of an introductory paragraph titled Preamble, a list of seven articles, an untitled closing endorsement with the signatures of 39 framers, and 27 amendments. The first 10 amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified on December 15, 1791, and are considered a fundamental part of the Constitution.
One of the key provisions of the Bill of Rights is the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of religion, speech, and the press. This amendment has been instrumental in shaping American society and culture, fostering a climate of free expression and open debate. It has also played a significant role in protecting minority viewpoints and dissenting opinions, ensuring that all citizens have the right to express themselves without fear of censorship or retribution.
Another critical aspect of the Bill of Rights is the Second Amendment, which grants citizens the right to keep and bear arms. This amendment has been the subject of considerable debate and interpretation over the years, with varying opinions on the level of gun control it permits. While some argue for a strict interpretation that allows for unrestricted gun ownership, others advocate for a more nuanced approach that balances the rights of individuals with the need for public safety measures.
Overall, the Bill of Rights serves as a cornerstone of American democracy, safeguarding the liberties and rights of its citizens. It reflects the nation's commitment to individual freedom and limited governmental power, shaping the country's legal and political landscape. The amendments within the Bill of Rights have had a profound impact on American society, influencing everything from free speech and gun control debates to law enforcement practices and privacy rights.
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Ratification
The US Constitution, beginning with the words "We the People", is composed of the Preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. The seven articles make up the structural constitution, which was signed on September 17, 1787, and ratified on June 21, 1788.
The process of ratifying the US Constitution was a challenging task. The Federalists, who believed in the necessity of a strong central government, faced opposition from the Anti-Federalists, who were against the creation of a powerful central government that reminded them of the one they had overthrown. The Anti-Federalists also argued for the inclusion of a Bill of Rights. The Federalists, including Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, promoted the ratification of the Constitution through works such as the "Federalist Papers". They addressed people's fears about a federal government and emphasized the need for a stronger central government.
George Washington, who served as the president of the Constitutional Convention, played a crucial role in facilitating the ratification process. He actively advocated for the Constitution, emphasizing the need for a stronger central government with expanded powers for Congress and a national court system. Washington understood the states' desire to retain their power but argued for the necessity of sacrificing some liberty for the stability of the nation. He corresponded with political leaders, urging them to support the Constitution, and sent copies of the document to influential individuals, including Thomas Jefferson and the Marquis de Lafayette.
The ratification campaign was a close contest, and the "vote now, amend later" compromise proved pivotal in securing victory in Massachusetts and, eventually, in the final holdout states. The Constitution promised a stronger central government with three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. This framework included a Congress with the power to tax, addressing a significant weakness under the Articles of Confederation. The Constitution's ratification process required the approval of nine out of thirteen states, and it superseded the Articles of Confederation on March 4, 1789.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution is simply titled "Constitution".
The US Constitution is composed of the Preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights.
The seven articles define the framework of the federal government. The first three articles embody the doctrine of the separation of powers, dividing the federal government into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
