key term - Constitution (1787)

Definition

The Constitution of 1787 is the foundational legal document of the United States that established the framework for the national government and outlined the rights and responsibilities of its citizens. This document created a system of federalism, dividing power between the national and state governments, while also incorporating principles such as checks and balances, separation of powers, and individual rights through the Bill of Rights. The Constitution has served as a living document, adaptable to the changing needs and values of American society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Constitution was drafted in Philadelphia during the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and was ratified by nine states by June 1788.
2. The document established a bicameral legislature, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, to represent the interests of both populous and less populous states.
3. The principle of checks and balances ensures that no single branch of government can dominate or misuse its power, promoting accountability.
4. Amendments to the Constitution can be proposed by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress or by a convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures.
5. The Bill of Rights was added in 1791 to protect individual liberties against potential government overreach and is an essential part of American democracy.

Review Questions

• How does the Constitution establish a balance between federal and state powers?
  • The Constitution establishes federalism, which divides powers between the national government and the states. It outlines specific enumerated powers granted to Congress while reserving other powers for the states. This balance allows both levels of government to function independently yet cooperatively, ensuring that local governance can respond to regional needs while maintaining national unity.
• What role do checks and balances play in the functioning of the government as set out by the Constitution?
  • Checks and balances are vital to maintaining a separation of powers among the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. Each branch has specific powers that can check the others; for example, Congress can pass laws, but the President can veto them, and the courts can rule those laws unconstitutional. This system prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful, thereby protecting democratic governance.
• Evaluate the impact of the Bill of Rights on American civil liberties in relation to the Constitution.
  • The Bill of Rights significantly shaped American civil liberties by explicitly outlining individual rights that cannot be infringed upon by the government. These first ten amendments safeguard freedoms such as speech, religion, and assembly, ensuring citizens have protections against potential governmental abuse. The inclusion of these rights reflects the Founding Fathers' commitment to personal freedom and has played a crucial role in legal battles throughout American history aimed at expanding and protecting civil rights.

Related terms

Federalism:

A political system in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, allowing for shared governance.

Separation of Powers:

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Bill of Rights:

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual liberties and rights to citizens.