The Constitution of the United States contains a preamble and seven articles that describe the way the government is structured and how it operates. The first three articles establish the three branches of government and their powers: Legislative (Congress), Executive (office of the President,) and Judicial (Federal court system).
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What does the constitution really mean?
The following Career Dispatch essay was written by Cassie Beck, who stars in the national touring production of Heidi Schreck’s play “What the Constitution ... But what does that mean? Just deciding to have no fear doesn’t really work.
What are the 10 articles of the Constitution?
“No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.”
What are facts about the Constitution?
The Constitution of the United States: Fast Facts The U. S Constitution was written in the same Pennsylvania State House where the Declaration of Independence was signed... Written in 1787, the Constitution was signed on September 17. But it wasn’t until 1788 that it was ratified by the... The U.S. ...
What is the difference between the Constitution and the amendments?
What is the different between Constitutional act and ordinary act?
- Constitution is supreme to other acts.
- No act can be in violation to the Constitution.
- Amendments procedure is difficult for the Constitution as compared to other acts.
- Constitution prov
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What are the 10 constitutional rights?
Bill of Rights - The Really Brief Version1Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.7Right of trial by jury in civil cases.8Freedom from excessive bail, cruel and unusual punishments.9Other rights of the people.10Powers reserved to the states.5 more rows
What are the 3 main things in the Constitution?
The Constitution itself is divided into three major parts, the Preamble, seven articles, and amendments. The Preamble, or introduction introduces the main purpose of the U.S. Constitution, and why it was needed. The Preamble is an explanation why the Constitution was written, and the major goals it hopes to accomplish.
What is the main message of the Constitution?
The Preamble states that the Constitution exists “to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, [and] promote the general Welfare.” The emphasis on establishing a “Union” and a successful government for it is not surprising because the Constitution was ...
What are the 27 constitutional rights?
In either case, the amendments to the U.S. Constitution only become effective after being ratified by 3/4 of the states. Some amendments are quickly ratified....Amendment Summary: 27 Updates to the U.S. Constitution.AmendmentRatifiedDescription1st1791Rights to Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, Petition2nd1791Right to Bear Arms3rd1791Quartering of Soldiers24 more rows
What is Constitution in simple words?
Definition of constitution 1a : the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it. b : a written instrument embodying the rules of a political or social organization.
What is the U.S. Constitution in simple terms?
The Constitution of the United States established America's national government and fundamental laws, and guaranteed certain basic rights for its citizens. It was signed on September 17, 1787, by delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
What are the first 3 words of the Constitution?
Its first three words – “We The People” – affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens. The supremacy of the people through their elected representatives is recognized in Article I, which creates a Congress consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives.
What are the six goals of the Constitution?
The Preamble of this document states its six main goals: to form a more perfect union, to establish justice, to ensure domestic tranquility, to provide for the common defense, to promote the general welfare, and to secure the blessings of liberty.
What did the first Constitution say?
Constitution of the United States Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
What are the first 5 Bill of Rights?
The five freedoms it protects: speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government. Together, these five guaranteed freedoms make the people of the United States of America the freest in the world.
How many amendments are there in 2021?
The 27 Amendments of the US Constitution and What They Mean.
What are the first 10 amendments in order?
What Is the Bill of Rights?First Amendment – The Freedom of Speech.Second Amendment – The Right to Bear Arms.Third Amendment – The Freedom Against Quartering of Soldiers.Fourth Amendment – The Freedom Against Search & Seizure.Fifth Amendment – The Right to Due Process.The Sixth Amendment – The Right to a Speedy Trial.More items...
Why are the 3 parts of the Constitution important?
First it creates a national government consisting of a legislative, an executive, and a judicial branch, with a system of checks and balances among the three branches. Second, it divides power between the federal government and the states. And third, it protects various individual liberties of American citizens.
What are the main features of the Constitution?
Constitution of India – Major FeaturesLengthiest Written Constitution. ... Drawn from Various Sources. ... Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility. ... Federal System with Unitary Bias. ... Parliamentary Form of Government. ... Synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty and Judicial Supremacy. ... Rule Of Law. ... Integrated and Independent Judiciary.More items...
What do the first 3 articles of the Constitution address?
The first three articles establish the three branches of government and their powers: Legislative (Congress), Executive (office of the President,) and Judicial (Federal court system).
What are the three main parts of the Constitution quizlet?
The Constitution has three main parts which include the Preamble, Articles, and Amendments.
What is the Constitution of the United States?
The Constitution of the United States. We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure 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 ...
What was the first national government?
Under America’s first national government, the Articles of Confederation, the states acted together only for specific purposes. The Constitution united its citizens as members of a whole, vesting the power of the union in the people. Without it, the American Experiment might have ended as quickly as it had begun.
What is the article "A More Perfect Union" about?
The article "A More Perfect Union" is an in-depth look at the Constitutional Convention and the ratification process. "Questions and Answers Pertaining to the Constitution" presents dozens of fascinating facts about the Constitution.
What did the men who wrote the Constitution expect?
The men who wrote the Constitution in 1787 did not expect everyone to have the same right to participate in the U.S. government. They expected white men who owned property to vote, make laws and become judges and presidents.
How long is the term of the President?
The Constitution says the president is elected for a term of four years. George Washington, the country's first president, was reelected and served two terms, from 1789-1797.
How many years does the Senate have to be elected to impeach the Speaker?
The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment. SECTION. 3. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.
What is the judicial power of the United States?
The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.
What does "I do solemnly swear" mean?
Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.".
How long is the executive term?
SECTION. 1. The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows:
What is the judicial branch?
ARTICLE III: The Judicial Branch. The American court system interprets the laws. In other words, the courts say what the law means. The judicial power of the United States is held by the Supreme Court of the United States, and in any lower courts Congress creates.
What powers does Congress have?
The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States; To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;
How long does it take for Section 2 of the Constitution to become inoperative?
This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years from the date of its submission to the States by the Congress.
What does "I do solemnly swear" mean?
Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.".
How long is the executive term?
The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows:
What is the purpose of the Rule of Naturalization?
To borrow Money on the credit of the United States; To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes; To establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;
Who takes the votes in chusing the President?
But in chusing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from each State having one Vote; A quorum for this Purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice.
Can the United States grant nobility?
No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
Three Essential Roles of the Constitution
The Constitution of the United States enshrines the supreme law of the land of the United States of America. This founding document, provides a framework for federal and states government to work within.
The Three Branches of Government
The United States Constitution divides the government into three separate branches, each with specific duties and areas of control. Under the system of checks and balances, each branch holds the others accountable. They include the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Federal and State Government
The laws of the United States are complex at times as well as confusing. This is due to Federal government regulations and state regulations. Federal law is the same for all citizens of the United States, while state law, only pertains to when someone is in that particular state.
Protection of Rights and Liberties for Citizens
While the United States Constitution offers a framework for all, it also protects citizens from the national government. It limits what the government can do and protects the rights and liberties of citizens. The majority of these protections fall under the Bill of Rights.
Permanent Protection
The protection offered by the constitution can’t be taken away. It ensures security for the citizens of the United States at all times. The written constitution is designed so that no one entity has complete governmental power. There is always another entity with the ability to oversee and override.
There was no right to vote in the original U.S. Constitution
The original Constitution doesn’t have much to say about the right to vote. Indeed, nowhere in the text does it explicitly say that citizens have the right to vote in elections.
Following the Civil War, constitutional amendments strengthened federal protections for voting rights
After the abolition of slavery and in response to a growing push to extend voting rights to more Americans, a series of constitutional amendments added protections to the right to vote to the U.S. Constitution:
The current political climate endangers federal voting rights protections
The ability of the federal government to protect voting rights, particularly for racial and ethnic minorities, has been jeopardized both by recent Supreme Court rulings and the failure of Congress to enact new voting rights legislation.
Until Congress acts, states must step in to protect voting rights
With the federal government and the Supreme Court unlikely to protect voting rights in a substantial way in the near future, it’s up to the states to take action to protect voting.
Privacy, a Cherished Concept
Privacy is a right we all hold dear in many forms. We want to know that we have the right to privacy within our own homes and can live our lifestyles in the way we choose. We also want to be sure that companies and medics aren’t going to share confidential information with third parties.
Does the Constitution Stipulate a Right to Privacy?
Not directly, no. There is no straightforward amendment or article in the Constitution that mentions the right to privacy in the way most of us would define it. We might expect there to be a clause that states that all Americans have the right to a private life and private activities and beliefs within their own home.
What Does the Constitution Say About the Right to Privacy?
The notion of a constitutional right to privacy is taken from an implied right via different articles and amendments. Considering these protections about freedoms and liberties, there is the idea that Americans do have a right to privacy. There isn’t anything set in stone, though.
The Right to Privacy Within Statutory Law
There may not be any simple Constitutional article to use whenever there is an issue of privacy invasion, but the combined implications from the Constitution allow for clearer statutory laws. Over time, cases emerge where the rights of citizens are questioned concerning the aims or proposed laws from the government.
Reproductive Rights and the Right to Privacy
Abortion laws are a great example of all this because they are still contested today. Does the person seeking an abortion have the right to make a choice about having the child and the privacy to carry out procedures without others knowing? States still lean towards the fetus’s rights over the privacy and rights of beliefs of the parents.
The Right to Privacy in an Online World
The case-by-case approach of the Supreme Court for rulings on the rights and protections of the people makes sense because the needs of people evolve with time. Any amendment about the right to privacy created in the 1970s would have no provision for anything related to online privacy and digital personal data.
The Right to Privacy Through Personal Freedoms Only Goes so Far
Some may fear this adaptable approach because the new ruling could allow for freedoms that take things too far. Many cases are open to debate based on the circumstances, and the ruling may not apply to all. A balance needs to be found between upholding the rights of those that feel victimized and the impact of their decisions.
Which amendment prevents the government from regulating speech based on its content?
The First Amendment generally prevents the government from regulating speech based on its content, but content-neutral restrictions are often constitutional. Log InSign Up. Find a Lawyer. Ask a Lawyer . Research the Law.
What is the right to free speech?
Freedom of Speech Under the Constitution. One of the most important and contested constitutional rights is the right to free speech in the First Amendment. This prevents the government from imposing criminal penalties or civil sanctions on citizens based on what they say or write. While the constitutional text specifically prevents Congress ...
Which amendment covers hate speech?
The Supreme Court has applied First Amendment protections generously. They may even cover hate speech, blasphemy, vulgar speech, and videogames that contain what might be seen as an offensive level of violence. Exceptions to the Ban on Content-Based Restrictions.
Does the First Amendment protect against a blanket ban on all demonstrations?
For example, the First Amendment probably does not permit a blanket ban on all demonstrations in all public parks, or all distribution of leaflets on all public streets. Restricted Settings. First Amendment protections apply less strictly in settings over which the government has greater control.
Can the government prevent people from stating their views on public issues?
For example, the government cannot prevent people from stating their views on public issues or criticizing the actions of public officials. This would undermine democracy by preventing citizens from getting access to a full spectrum of information and ideas. The Supreme Court has applied First Amendment protections generously.
Does the First Amendment protect free speech?
Free speech protections apply to advertising to a lesser extent, especially when it misleads the public. The First Amendment does not prevent the government from banning misleading advertising, even though the government likely cannot interfere with political speech that may be misleading. Content-Neutral Restrictions.
