The U.S. Constitution Civics

U.S. Constitution The U.S. Constitution was adopted on September 17, 1787. The Constitution has been amended twenty- seven times. The first ten amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. The United States Constitution is the shortest and oldest written constitution in the world.

The Virginia Plan The Virginia Plan was drafted chiefly by James Madison, considered to be "The Father of the Constitution" for his major contributions. It was weighted toward the interests of the larger states, and proposed *A powerful bicameral legislature with a House and a Senate *An executive chosen by the legislature *A judiciary, with life-terms of service and vague powers *The national legislature would be able to veto state laws

The New Jersey Plan An alternative proposal, William Paterson's New Jersey Plan, gave states equal weights and was supported by the smaller states. Roger Sherman of Connecticut brokered The Great Compromise whereby the House would represent the people, a Senate would represent the states, and a president would be elected by electors (Electoral College).

Quick Notes Overview: Virginia Plan supported big states New Jersey Plan supported smaller states The Great Compromise used parts of both plans to create the Constitution Bill of Rights added to protect the rights of citizens

Preamble to the U.S. Constitution What is a preamble? What is its purpose?

Quick Notes Preamble: The preamble of the Constitution sets forth the goals and purposes to be served by the government. The Preamble to the Constitution expresses the reasons the constitution was written. The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America begins, “We the people,” which establishes that the power of government comes from the people.

The Bill of Rights Supporters of a strong Federal government wanted to pass the Constitution. Supporters of a weak Federal government did not want to pass the Constitution. They were afraid a strong Federal government would lead to citizens being abused again. The two sides agreed to pass the Constitution if a Bill of Rights was added that guaranteed rights of citizens that could not be taken away by the government.

Quick Notes Constitution of the United States of America, including the Bill of Rights Establishes the structure of the United States government Guarantees equality under the law with majority rule and the rights of the minority protected Affirms individual worth and dignity of all people Protects the fundamental freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition

Quick Notes Purposes of U.S. government To form a union To establish justice To ensure domestic peace To provide defense

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