michael

Written by Michael

Published: 16 May 2023

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

US Constitution We the People

The Constitution of the United States is one of the most remarkable documents ever written. It is the supreme law of the United States, as it guides the framework of the federal government and defines the rights and liberties of American citizens. It was drafted over two centuries ago, yet it still serves as an inspiration for democracies across the world. But there is a lot more to this remarkable document than many people realize – like, who wrote it and why? How has The Constitution evolved since its inception? In this blog post, we’ll go through 15 little-known but fascinating facts about The Constitution that will expand your understanding of this important historical document!

Table of Contents

Oldest Written National Constitution

The U.S. Constitution is the oldest written national constitution still in use today. It was signed on September 17, 1787, and went into effect on March 4, 1789, after being ratified by nine of the 13 original states.

The Framers

The Constitution was drafted by a group of individuals known as the “Framers.” Among the most notable Framers were James Madison, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. These influential figures played a critical role in shaping the document and the future of the United States, with many becoming future United States Presidents.

Founding Fathers
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James Madison: “Father of the Constitution”

James Madison is often referred to as the “Father of the Constitution” due to his significant contributions during the drafting process. He was instrumental in the creation of the Virginia Plan, which laid the foundation for the Constitution’s structure and served as a basis for debate during the Constitutional Convention.

The Constitutional Convention

The Constitutional Convention took place from May 25 to September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was initially intended to be used as a platform to revise the Articles of Confederation, the country’s first governing document. However, the delegates soon realized that a new constitution was necessary to establish a stronger central government.

The Great Compromise

One of the major issues debated at the Constitutional Convention was the structure of Congress. The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, resolved the dispute. It established a bicameral legislature with a House of Representatives based on population and a Senate with equal representation for each state.

The Three-Fifths Compromise

The Three-Fifths Compromise was a controversial agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention. It determined how enslaved people would be counted for representation and taxation purposes. Under this compromise, every five enslaved persons would be counted as three individuals.

The Preamble

The Constitution’s Preamble is the opening statement that sets forth the document’s purpose and guiding principles. The famous words, “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union…” emphasize the notion of popular sovereignty, asserting that the government derives its power from the people.

Constitution Preamble
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The Seven Articles

The Constitution is organized into seven articles, each addressing a specific aspect of the government:

  1. Article I: The Legislative Branch
  2. Article II: The Executive Branch
  3. Article III: The Judicial Branch
  4. Article IV: States’ Relations
  5. Article V: The Amendment Process
  6. Article VI: Federal Supremacy
  7. Article VII: Ratification

The Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which were ratified in 1791. These amendments guarantee essential individual liberties and protect citizens from government overreach.

The Total Number of Amendments

The Constitution has been amended 27 times since its inception, with the most recent amendment being ratified in 1992. The amendment process allows for the Constitution to adapt to changing societal needs and values.

Ratification Process

The Constitution’s ratification required the approval of nine out of the 13 original states. Delaware was the first state to ratify, on December 7, 1787, while Rhode Island was the last, on May 29, 1790.

Federalism

Federalism is a key concept in the U.S. Constitution. It establishes a system of government in which power is divided between the national government and state governments. This balance of power helps to prevent the concentration of authority in a single entity and protects the rights and autonomy of individual states.

The Supremacy Clause

Article VI, Clause 2 of the Constitution, also known as the Supremacy Clause, establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land. This clause ensures that state laws cannot conflict with federal laws. As such, it guarantees the authority of the federal government in matters within its jurisdiction.

The Necessary and Proper Clause

The Necessary and Proper Clause, found in Article I, Section 8, Clause 18, grants Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. This clause, also known as the Elastic Clause, allows the federal government to adapt to changing circumstances and address new issues not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.

The Separation of Powers

The U.S. Constitution establishes a system of government based on the separation of powers, dividing authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This structure prevents any single branch from becoming too powerful. It ensures a system of checks and balances to maintain the integrity of the government.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the United States Constitution is a remarkable document that has shaped the course of American history and continues to serve as the foundation of the country’s government. Its thoughtful design, commitment to individual liberties, and adaptability have allowed it to remain relevant and effective for over two centuries. These 15 facts offer just a glimpse into the rich history and complexities of this essential document.

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