Constitution History - article by Good English Article Sites

A Short History of the American Constitution in the Making

The constitution of the United States is regarded as the supreme law of the land. It forms the foundation and the legal framework underlying the existence of the United States of America as well as the U.S. federal government. It is the framework that organizes the relationship of the federal government to the states, citizens and the all the citizens within the land. The constitution defines a legislature, a Congress and a judicial branch. The Congress is lead by the President and the judicial is headed by the Supreme Court. The constitution outlines the duties and powers of each of these branches and reserves numerous powers for the states and thus establishing a federal government system.

The constitution history dates back to 1787, when the members of the Constitutional Convention signed the first draft of the United States Constitution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There was much dissatisfaction with Articles of Confederation and in response to this, the convention was convened after four months of secret debate and a lot of compromises. The proposed constitution was then submitted to the states for approval. After its ratification, the new Federal government came into existence in 1789 and established the United States government as it exists today.

The constitution history is not complete without a consideration of the issues raised and debated during the four months delegation. One of these issues was the process of electing senators. While some members proposed that the states should have more powers in choosing the state legislatures, others said that this amendment would destroy the balance and security interests that exist among the States. The constitution history is full of different views and interests of the different states regarding the particular powers that should be given the 3 branches that formed the constitution. Here the whole constitution became complicated and it presented a wide field of investigation that was too wide for every eye to have a comprehensive view of it. The influence of the Constitution on the Bill of Rights is also another important milestone in the constitution history. Consisting of the ten amendments added in 1791 to the constitution, the Bill of Rights ensured many liberties protected by state constitutions.

The preamble which is the statement of purpose is the most quoted sections of the constitution and establishes that no authority outside of this statement is held by the federal government. The constitution history is a true reflection of present day America in the making.

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