U.S. Constitution

Definition

The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework for the federal government and outlining the rights of citizens. It was drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788, embodying Enlightenment ideas about governance and individual rights, significantly influencing the development of democratic principles in America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The U.S. Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
2. It consists of a preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments that provide the legal framework for the United States government.
3. The Constitution established a system of checks and balances among the three branches of government to ensure no single branch could dominate the others.
4. The principles of popular sovereignty and limited government are foundational to the Constitution, reflecting Enlightenment ideals about democracy and individual rights.
5. The document has been amended 27 times to adapt to changing societal values and norms, with the Bill of Rights being one of the most significant early amendments.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment ideas influence the drafting of the U.S. Constitution?
  • Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Montesquieu profoundly influenced the U.S. Constitution by promoting ideas such as natural rights, social contracts, and separation of powers. These concepts encouraged the framers to create a government that derived its authority from the consent of the governed while ensuring individual rights were protected. The structure of checks and balances among the branches reflects these Enlightenment principles, aiming to prevent tyranny and promote justice.
• Discuss how the principle of federalism is reflected in the U.S. Constitution and its significance for governance.
  • Federalism is a key principle embedded in the U.S. Constitution, which divides powers between the national government and state governments. This structure allows states to retain some autonomy while also being subject to federal laws. By balancing power in this way, federalism ensures that local issues can be managed at the state level while maintaining national unity on broader concerns, reflecting Enlightenment beliefs in governance that accommodates diverse interests within a larger framework.
• Evaluate how amendments to the U.S. Constitution reflect changes in societal values over time.
  • Amendments to the U.S. Constitution serve as a critical lens through which we can view shifts in societal values across American history. For instance, amendments like the 13th (abolishing slavery), 19th (granting women’s suffrage), and more recently, those addressing civil rights illustrate how public sentiment has evolved towards greater equality and justice. This capacity for amendment highlights the Constitution's dynamic nature, allowing it to adapt to new understandings of human rights and democratic ideals while remaining rooted in Enlightenment principles.

Related terms

Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, allowing for both national and state-level governance.

Bill of Rights:

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantee fundamental rights and liberties to individuals, including freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.

Separation of Powers: A principle of governance where the government is divided into three branches (executive, legislative, judicial), each with distinct powers and responsibilities to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.