This document outlines the creation of the constitution and the bill of rights. It details the content contained in the documents and how. they affect society. today.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish
Justice, ensure 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.” – opening statement to the
constitution.
“We the people” became a powerful phrase that has become synonymous with American
society today.
Reasons for a Constitution
1) Problems with articles of confederacy -The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual
Union was an agreement among the 13 original states of the United States of
America that served as its first constitution.
2) Central government – limited power, ability, no money required uniformity
3) Reform required to establish more efficient governance
4) Established principle of “full faith and credit” between states – meaning respect for
laws etc in other states.
5) Madison, Hamilton and Jay (Publius) – The Federalist Papers
Structure of Constitution
Article I – Legislature (Congress)
Article II – Executive (President)
Article III – Judiciary (Supreme Court)
Article IV – States
Article V – Amendments
Article VI – Legitimacy of constitution (and supremacy)
Article VII – ratification process
Separation of Powers
Legislative
Makes laws
Writes bills, discuss and vote on them
Executive
Approves laws
Receive bills, then approve or veto
Judiciary
Enforce Laws
Determines constitutionality of actions
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