Since it is a cold rainy day and I'm in the mood for a more challenging topic, I am going to write about a topic that I recently needed to cover for my English class.
Today you will find out more about the U.S. Constitution.
Let's begin :)
WHAT IS THE CONSTITUTION?
The Constitution is the highest and most powerful law of the United States.
It sets up three main branches of the government :
1. THE LEGISLATIVE ( THE CONGRESS )
which makes the laws
2. THE EXECUTIVE (THE PRESIDENT )
which enforces the laws or make sure the laws are carried out
3. THE JUDICIAL ( headed by the SUPREME COURT )
which explains the laws and makes sure they are fair
WHEN AND BY WHOM WAS IT WRITTEN?
The Constitution was written in September 1787. by the group of men known as the Framers. The Framers met in Independence Hall in Philadelphia and discussed what should be in the Constitution.
The United States was the brand new country at the time, and had a government that many felt was not as good as it could be. The men came from all over the country, which at the time was made up of only 13 states. From May to September they had many debates and discussions to come up with a plan that everyone could agree with. After the Constitutional Convention ended, the document had to be approved by the 13 states, every single one of them. After a while, everybody agreed. The U.S. Constitution brought together, in one remarkable document, ideas from many people and several existing documents, including the Articles of Confederation and Declaration of Independence.
Those who made significant intellectual contributions to the Constitution are called the "Founding Fathers".
JAMES MADISON (better known as the "Father of the Constitution") was an American statesman, political theorist and the fourth President of the United States after Thomas Jefferson. He served as the politician much of his adult life. During the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Madison was able to present his plan,which would form the basis of the U.S. Constitution. Of all the delegates, he was the most well prepared and hard working.
GEORGE WASHINGTON
THOMAS JEFFERSON
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE PREAMBLE?
The Constitution consists of 3 parts:
- THE PREAMBLE ( that start with "We The People"... )
- THE 7 ARTICLES
- THE 27 AMENDMENTS
THE PREAMBLE is the one paragraph introduction to the Constitution.
The Preamble outlines the general goals of the Framers :
The Preamble outlines the general goals of the Framers :
- to create a just government
- to ensure peace and freedom
- to give protection to everyone
- to care for those in need
- to enable better life
It also explains why the Constitution was written in the first place.
We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, 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.
"BILL OF RIGHTS"
"Bill of Rights", as you can see at the picture , represents the first 10 amendments. It is one of the most historical and treasured documents that is the foundation of basic American liberties. The Bill of Rights officially became part of the Constitution on December 15, 1791. Its laws specified the fundamental rights of the American citizens.The two most important amendments are 1st and 5th.
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE CONSTITUTION :
- it is over 200 years old
- it is the oldest surviving written charter of the government
- all other laws come from the Constitution in some way
- it is also known as the shortest Constitution (4,400 words )
- Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17, the anniversary of the day when framers signed the document
- the oldest person to sign the Constitution was Benjamin Franklin (81) and the youngest was Jonathan Dayton (26 )
- George Washington and James Madison were the only two presidents who singed the Constitution
- the only other language used in various parts of the Constitution is Latin
- four of the signers of the Constitution were born in Ireland
Although there is a lot more to tell about the Constitution, I guess I pointed out the most important things.
Have a nice evening!
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