Malcolm Rivera
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, by 38 of the 41 delegates present at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. The four-page document, drafted in secret during the summer of 1787, established the government of the United States. The Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation, which had been ratified in 1781, and proposed an entirely new form of government. The public debate over the Constitution was just beginning, and it was ratified by the necessary nine out of 13 states, with New Hampshire becoming the ninth state to do so on June 21, 1788.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Signing | Sept 17, 1787 |
| Location | Independence Hall, Philadelphia |
| Signatories | 39 delegates, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison |
| Purpose | To establish a "more perfect union" and create a framework for the US government |
| Key Features | Federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, bill of rights |
| Amendments | 27 amendments have been made to the Constitution since its signing |
| Current Status | The Constitution remains the supreme law of the United States |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The US Constitution was signed on this date
On September 17, 1787, 38 of the 41 delegates present at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia signed the United States Constitution. The document was drafted in secret over the summer of 1787, and it established the government of the United States. The convention was convened to revise the Articles of Confederation, which had been creating a loose confederation of sovereign states with a weak central government. However, the delegates ultimately decided to draft an entirely new form of government, with a stronger central government than the Articles of Confederation, but one that would also preserve tenets of independence and individual rights.
The Constitution specified that it would only become binding once it was ratified by nine of the 13 states. The public debate over the Constitution was just beginning when it was signed, and the document resurfaced arguments for and against its contents. The first five states to ratify the Constitution were Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. However, other states, particularly Massachusetts, opposed the document due to its lack of protection for basic political rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press. A compromise was reached, and on June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the document, officially adopting the Constitution.
The United States Constitution is the oldest written constitution still in operation today. However, it has been criticised for its endorsement of slavery and its contribution to the system of white supremacy. It is important to encourage critical thinking about the Constitution and to explore the social conflict and race and class issues at the heart of its creation.
Consequences of Ignoring Constitutional Provisions
You may want to see also
It established the government of the United States
The United States Constitution, the supreme law of the country, was signed on September 17, 1787, by the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. This date, now known as Constitution Day, marks a pivotal moment in American history as it established the framework for the US government and political system that remains in place today. The signing of the Constitution was the culmination of a summer of intense debate and compromise by the Founding Fathers, who sought to create a more perfect union and a stronger central government to replace the ineffective Articles of Confederation.
The Constitution's preamble, which begins with the famous words "We the People," sets out the document's purpose and establishes the source of the government's power. It reads: "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 introductory statement emphasizes that the power to establish the government originates with the people, and it outlines the goals and principles that the Constitution aims to achieve.
The main body of the Constitution is comprised of seven articles, each addressing different aspects of the government's structure and powers. Article I establishes the legislative branch, creating a bicameral Congress consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. It outlines the qualifications for representatives and senators, as well as the processes for passing laws, revenue bills, and overriding presidential vetoes. Additionally, it grants specific powers to Congress, such as the power to declare war, regulate interstate commerce, and coin money.
Article II of the Constitution establishes the executive branch, creating the office of the President of the United States. It sets out the requirements for becoming president, the process of election by the Electoral College, and the term lengths. The article also defines the powers and responsibilities of the president, including the role as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, the power to appoint federal officers with the advice and consent of the Senate, and the ability to grant reprieves and pardons.
Article III establishes the judicial branch, creating the Supreme Court and granting Congress the power to establish lower federal courts. It outlines the types of cases that fall under federal jurisdiction and ensures that federal judges serve during good behavior, providing them with independence and security in their positions. The final three articles of the Constitution address other important aspects of the government, including the process for admitting new states, establishing the capital in Washington, DC, and outlining the procedure for ratifying the Constitution.
In conclusion, the signing of the US Constitution on September 17, 1787, was a pivotal moment in the establishment of the American governmental system. The document, with its preamble and seven articles, created a framework for a federal government with separated powers and checks and balances to ensure liberty and justice for its citizens. The Constitution has endured as the supreme law of the land, shaping the country's political landscape and guiding its leaders for over two centuries.
The Constitution's Clause on Presidential Term Limits
You may want to see also
The document was drafted in secret
The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, by 38 delegates, with George Read signing on behalf of John Dickinson of Delaware, bringing the total number of signatures to 39. The document was drafted in secret by delegates to the Constitutional Convention during the summer of 1787. The Federal Convention convened in the State House (now known as Independence Hall) in Philadelphia on May 14, 1787, to revise the Articles of Confederation.
The Articles of Confederation, America's first constitution, 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, and couldn't print money. The states' disputes over territory, war pensions, taxation, and trade threatened to tear the young country apart. James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington feared their young country was on the brink of collapse.
In September 1786, delegates from five states met in Annapolis, Maryland, to discuss revising the Articles of Confederation. They recommended a later meeting that might include all thirteen states. On February 21, 1787, the Confederation Congress agreed to call for a convention of state delegates to meet in Philadelphia. The delegates to the Constitutional Convention assembled in Philadelphia in May of 1787. They shuttered the windows of the State House and swore secrecy so they could speak freely. Through discussion and debate, it became clear by mid-June that, rather than amend the existing Articles, the Convention would draft an entirely new frame of government.
The delegates debated and redrafted the articles of the new Constitution throughout the summer in closed sessions. Among the chief points at issue were how much power to allow the central government, how many representatives in Congress to allow each state, and how these representatives should be elected. The delegates compromised by giving each state one representative for every 30,000 people in the House of Representatives and two representatives in the Senate. They agreed to count enslaved Africans as three-fifths of a person. Slavery itself was a contentious issue that threatened to derail the Union. It was temporarily resolved when the delegates agreed that the slave trade could continue until 1808.
Miranda Rights: Constitutional or Common Law?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It replaced the Articles of Confederation
On September 17, 1787, the US Constitution was signed, replacing the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation, which were adopted by the Continental Congress on November 15, 1777, served as the United States' first constitution. It was in force from March 1, 1781, until 1789 when the present-day Constitution went into effect.
The Articles of Confederation established a "league of friendship" for the 13 sovereign and independent states, with each state retaining its sovereignty and every power not expressly delegated to the United States. The document also outlined a Congress with representation based on a single vote for each state, regardless of population size.
However, over time, the defects in the Articles of Confederation became apparent. The Continental Congress had little power and struggled to exert influence over the states, which were anxious to maintain their power. The central government could not raise funds, regulate trade, or conduct foreign policy without the voluntary agreement of the states. Events such as Shays' Rebellion, an armed uprising by debt-ridden farmers in western Massachusetts in 1786 and early 1787, highlighted the weaknesses of the federal government and the need for a stronger central authority.
In response to these concerns, a convention was held in Annapolis in September 1786, led by James Madison and Alexander Hamilton. The delegates proposed a new convention to revise the Articles of Confederation, and on February 21, 1787, the Continental Congress called for a national convention to meet in Philadelphia. The Constitutional Convention officially began on May 25, 1787, with delegates debating and drafting the articles of the new Constitution over the summer.
The final draft of the US Constitution, a four-page document, was signed on September 17, 1787, establishing a new form of government for the United States. This new Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation and proposed a stronger central government, addressing the issues that had plagued the previous framework.
Understanding Part-Time Employment: Definition and Benefits
You may want to see also
It was ratified by nine of the 13 states
The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, by members of the Constitutional Convention. The four-page document, drafted in secret by delegates to the convention during the summer of 1787, established the government of the United States. The convention was convened to revise the Articles of Confederation, which had been creating a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government. The delegates debated and redrafted the articles of the new Constitution, addressing issues such as the balance of power between the central government and the states, representation in Congress, and the regulation of interstate trade.
The Constitution specified that at least nine of the 13 states needed to ratify the new form of government. Ratification is the formal process of confirming a proposed law, treaty, or amendment. In the context of the US Constitution, ratification by the states meant that they officially recognized and approved the new form of government outlined in the document. This process was not without debate, as arguments for and against the Constitution resurfaced during the state ratifying conventions. Despite the hopes for unanimous approval, the Constitution was officially adopted by the United States when it was ratified by New Hampshire on June 21, 1788, becoming the ninth state to do so.
The process of ratification is a critical step in the implementation of any constitutional changes or amendments. It ensures that the proposed changes are carefully considered and approved by the required number of states, in this case, at least nine out of the 13 states. This process reinforces the federal system of government in the United States, where power is shared between the national government and the state governments. By requiring ratification by the states, it provides an opportunity for further discussion and ensures that the changes have broad support before they become officially valid.
The specific number of states required for ratification can vary depending on the nature of the changes or amendments. In the case of the US Constitution, the requirement of nine states reflected the desire for a strong level of consensus among the founding states. It is important to note that the process of ratification can also apply to other types of agreements or treaties, both domestically within a country and internationally between countries. The exact process and requirements for ratification can differ based on the context and the specific rules or laws that govern the process.
Electoral College: Constitutional or Antiquated?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787.
September 17, 1787, was the day the US Constitution was signed by 38 of the 41 delegates present, establishing the government of the United States.
The US Constitution endorsed slavery and was criticized for denying humanity to some while contributing to the system of white supremacy.
The US Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation, which had established a loose confederation of sovereign states with a weak central government. The Constitution aimed to provide a stronger central government while preserving tenets of independence and individual rights.
