Omar Bennett
The United States Constitution, which came into effect in 1789, was influenced by a variety of factors in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Constitution was shaped by the study of the Magna Carta and other federations, as well as the ideas of Enlightenment philosophers such as Montesquieu and John Locke. The concept of separation of powers in the Constitution was inspired by these Enlightenment thinkers, while the Due Process Clause was based on common law and the Magna Carta. The first constitution, the Articles of Confederation, was ratified in 1781 but was inadequate, leading to the creation of the new Constitution. Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson's ideas about government were also influential, and Franklin submitted a plan for a united colonial confederation in 1775.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Founding of Harvard College | 1636 |
| Europeans colonize North America | Early 17th century |
| The Judiciary Act | 1789 |
| The Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation | 15 November 1777 |
| The Articles of Confederation came into force | 1 March 1781 |
| The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia | May-September 1787 |
| The Northwest Ordinance | 13 July 1787 |
| The U.S. Constitution came into effect | 1789 |
| The Third Amendment | 1791 |
| The Fourth Amendment | 1791 |
| The U.S. Constitution was amended | 27 times |
| The U.S. Constitution was influenced by | Magna Carta, federations, common law, and Enlightenment philosophers |
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What You'll Learn
The founding of Harvard College in 1636
The U.S. Constitution was influenced by a variety of factors and events that occurred between 1600 and 1800. During this period, Europeans, led by Spain, France, and England, began to colonize North America. This colonization brought about new modes of social life and material culture, and by the 18th century, colonial elites had emerged in maturing colonies. The ideas of Enlightenment philosophers such as Montesquieu, Locke, Edward Coke, and William Blackstone also influenced the Constitution, particularly the concept of the separation of powers.
In the context of this historical backdrop, Harvard College, the first college in the American colonies, was founded in 1636. Established by a vote of the Great and General Court, the governing legislative body of the colonial-era Massachusetts Bay Colony, Harvard was named for its first benefactor, the Puritan clergyman John Harvard. The college was envisioned as a "church in the wilderness," intended to train clergy for the new commonwealth. Harvard received a printing press in 1638, the first in North America, and a second press in 1659. The college's early years were marked by a high level of discipline, with students expected to observe rules of pious decorum and demonstrate proficiency in translating and interpreting biblical texts.
Harvard's founding reflected the religious and educational aspirations of the early colonists and played a significant role in shaping the intellectual landscape of the region. The college's influence extended beyond the academic sphere, as it trained Congregational clergy until its curriculum and student body underwent secularization in the 18th century. By the 19th century, Harvard had solidified its position as the most prominent academic and cultural institution among the Boston elite.
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The American Revolution
Colonial Tension and the Road to Revolution
The period between 1600 and 1800 witnessed the establishment and growth of European colonies in North America. By the early 17th century, Spain, France, and England had established a firm foothold in the continent, with tens of thousands of English migrants settling along the Atlantic seaboard, occupying Native American lands. This colonial expansion brought distinct cultural traditions and social dynamics to the region. However, by the 18th century, tensions were mounting between the colonies and the British Empire, fueled by issues such as taxation without representation and restrictive trade policies imposed by the British Parliament.
Declaration of Independence and the Birth of a Nation
On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress, assembled in Philadelphia, approved the Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, proclaiming the colonies' right to govern themselves and their separation from Great Britain. This act marked the official beginning of the American Revolution and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. The Declaration outlined fundamental principles of freedom, natural rights, and consent of the governed, which would become cornerstones of the American political philosophy.
The Revolutionary War and its Challenges
The Constitutional Convention and a New Government
The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the first governing document of the United States, highlighted the need for a stronger central government. In 1787, delegates from across the states gathered in Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention, aiming to draft a new constitution. Figures like James Madison and George Washington played pivotal roles in shaping the ideas that would form the basis of the Constitution. The convention addressed issues such as foreign relations, the balance of power between state and central governments, and the protection of individual liberties. The resulting Constitution established a federal government with defined powers, including the ability to conduct foreign relations, and a system of checks and balances to prevent the concentration of power.
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The Articles of Confederation
The United States Constitution, which came into effect in 1789, was influenced by a variety of events and ideologies from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Constitution superseded the Articles of Confederation, which was the nation's first constitution. The Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Continental Congress and faced several challenges, particularly in conducting foreign policy.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the federal government faced difficulties in conducting foreign affairs, and important business was often delayed by paperwork. This led to the establishment of an executive branch to handle routine matters, which would later be formalised under the Constitution. The Articles also guaranteed "an equality of representation" for the states, which became a point of contention during the Constitutional Convention.
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The Scottish Enlightenment
The US Constitution was influenced by several factors and events that occurred between 1600 and 1800. During this period, the US witnessed the American Revolution, which led to the emergence of a new federal government and culture. The Constitutional Convention in 1787 addressed the weaknesses of the central government under the Articles of Confederation, resulting in the establishment of a federal government with more specific powers, including conducting foreign relations. The Constitution came into effect in 1789, the same year the Judiciary Act was passed, establishing six Supreme Court justices.
The Enlightenment, including the Scottish Enlightenment, was a significant influence on the Constitution, particularly the idea of separation of powers. The Scottish Enlightenment, which began in the mid-18th century, was a period of intellectual and scientific achievements in Scotland. It was characterised by a culture of close readings of new books and intense discussions in places like The Select Society and The Poker Club in Edinburgh, as well as within Scotland's ancient universities.
The Enlightenment in Scotland was influenced by the union with England in 1707, which resulted in the loss of Scotland's parliament and king. This union created a new middle class elite in urban Scotland, comprised of lawyers, divines, professors, intellectuals, medical professionals, scientists, and architects. The University of Edinburgh's Medical School became a leading centre of science in Europe, attracting renowned scholars such as Alexander Monro, William Cullen, and Joseph Black.
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The election of George Washington
In 1787, Washington, concerned about the potential disintegration of the nation, joined 55 state delegates in Philadelphia to address the weaknesses of the central government under the Articles of Confederation. The delegates unanimously elected Washington, a well-respected figure, as the president of the convention on May 14, 1787. Washington's leadership was crucial in guiding the delegates through intense debates and forging consensus. He also contributed to the model of government that emerged, advocating for a strong central government and a division of powers between the legislative, judicial, and executive branches.
Washington's support for the Constitution was significant in gaining public approval. While he did not actively participate in the public debates, his private correspondence revealed his endorsement of the document. Federalists leveraged Washington's image and signature on the Constitution to promote its ratification. His letter of September 17, 1787, addressed to the president of Congress, was attached to the Constitution whenever it was printed. In the letter, Washington expressed his support for the Constitution, stating that it was the result of mutual deference and concession.
Washington's election as the first president of the United States in 1789 further solidified the importance of the Constitution. He guided the new government through the organization of the executive branch, the establishment of Washington, D.C., as the nation's capital, and the expansion westward. Washington's presidency set precedents that influenced the conduct of his successors. His support for the Constitution and his role in its creation and implementation demonstrated his commitment to establishing a strong and unified nation.
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Frequently asked questions
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 was influenced by the study of the Magna Carta and other federations, both ancient and modern. The idea of the separation of powers was inspired by 18th-century Enlightenment philosophers such as Montesquieu and John Locke.
James Madison, often referred to as the "Father" of the Constitution, played a crucial role in its development and adoption. George Washington was unanimously elected as the president of the Constitutional Convention, and Alexander Hamilton was another key figure who supported the Constitution.
The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia took place between May and September 1787. The Constitution came into effect in 1789 and has been amended 27 times since.
The Constitution established a federal government with more specific powers, including those related to conducting foreign relations. It also delineated the federal government into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial.
