T HE U NITED S TATES C ONSTITUTION

Questions that are asked about the United States Constitution. Why was it written? What events led to its creation? Where was it written? What historical documents was it modeled after? What problems in our society did the Constitution solve? What are its limitations? Do you feel it is as relevant today as it was when the Constitution was first created? What is the preamble?

Constitution Facts The United States Constitution was created on September 17, It was ratified June 21, 1788

Where was it written ? The United States Constitution was written at the Philadelphia State House. The United States Constitution was written at the Philadelphia State House. George Washington also received his commission as Commander of the Continental Army. Now called Independence Hall George Washington also received his commission as Commander of the Continental Army. Now called Independence Hall

Why was it written ? It was written to show the three branches of government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial It was written to show the three branches of government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial It tells the power of each branch. It tells the power of each branch. To tell the framework of the United States Government. To tell the framework of the United States Government. States the relationship of the Federal government to state governments and the citizens in the United States. States the relationship of the Federal government to state governments and the citizens in the United States.

What events led to its creation ? The failure of the Articles of Confederation in creating a weak national government. There was no president or Judicial branch. Congress was the only branch of government. Federal government could not enforce laws on states. The government after American Revolution left the United States very weak.

Convention Tension Federalists versus anti-federalists Feds: we need a strong central gov’t Means states give up some freedom Antifeds: didn’t we just have a war concerning this!? Fair representation in a federal government Representation by Population?State?

Solutions Bill of Rights and the Amendment Process for the Constitution Great Compromise 3/5ths Compromise

The Great Compromise (or Connecticut Compromise) Virginia plan Representation for states based on population New Jersey Plan Representation based on each state being equal These two plans resulted in a two House legislature (Congress) composed of the Senate and House of Representatives These two plans resulted in a two House legislature (Congress) composed of the Senate and House of Representatives – Senate: like New Jersey plan – House: like Virginia + Both are required to pass a bill into law!

Three-Fifths Compromise “Every five enslaved people in a state would count a three free persons for determining both representation and taxation” (text) Why is it a compromise Gives the South political clout Provides more “Benjamins” (did they say that back then?) to the Federal Government

Bill of Rights 1st Ten Amendments to the U.S. Constitution Added to protect personal liberties and freedoms.

Summary of the Bill of Rights 1.Freedom of worship, speech, petition, press, assembly 2.Freedom to bear arms 3.No quartering troops w/o permission 4.No search/seizure w/o warrant 5.Gov’t can’t take life, liberty, or property w/o due process 6.Speedy trial w/ lawyer 7.Trial by jury 8.No excessive bail, fine, or cruel and unusual punishment 9.Other rights reserved to the people 10.Powers reserved to the states

What problems in our society did the Constitution solve ? The Constitution solved the problem of only one branch of government and provided Legislative branch Executive branch Judicial branch Checks and Balances was created. There was a separation of power between branches of government. The Electoral College created to represent the states in presidential elections.

What major historical documents was the US constitution modeled after? Commentaries on the Laws of England by William Blackstone. This book gave rights and wrongs of people in a society. The Spirit of the Laws by Baron de Montesquieu. Introduced the concept of separation of powers and constitutionalism. Social Contract by Jean Jacques Rousseau. This talked about the more efficient way to set up political community. Government should be of the people. Two Treatises of Government by John Locke. It covers the idea that every man is created equal under God.

What are its limitations ? The United States Constitution limits the power of the government. Each branch has their own powers. No government is all-powerful, and that it may only do things that the people have given it power to do. The government must obey the law. This is the principle called constitutionalism.

Do you feel it is as relevant today as it was when it was written? The US constitution is completely as relevant today as it was when it was written because the same principles are proposed today. Laws are still unconstitutional and we still have to rule by the constitution. The division of powers is still working today. It still makes this country run with a stable democracy.

The Purpose of Government The main purposes of government are described in the Preamble of the Constitution of the United States: “ 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.”