The US Constitution

The US Constitution: An Overview

  • The US Constitution was written in 1787 and is the supreme legal document in the United States, outlining the structure and power of the US government.
  • It is considered as a ―living document‖ which can be amended, allowing changes to be made to adjust with the evolving society.
  • It embodies the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances, dividing powers among three branches - legislative, executive, and judicial - which can oversee and challenge each other.

Main Components of the US Constitution

  • The constitution is made up of the Preamble, seven Articles, and 27 Amendments.
  • The Preamble explains the purpose and fundamental values of the constitution.
  • The Articles detail the framework of the US Government.
    • Article I addresses the legislative branch or the Congress.
    • Article II includes information about the executive branch, led by the President.
    • Article III is concerned with the judicial branch or the Supreme Court.
  • The Amendments are the changes made to the constitution over time, first ten of which are referred to as the Bill of Rights, protecting various individual liberties and rights.

Importance of Amendments

  • The amendment process allows flexibility to the constitution, making it relevant over time.
  • Out of existing 27 amendments, the first 10 are collectively called the Bill of Rights, which include important rights such as freedom of speech, right to a fair trial and prohibition of cruel punishments.
  • Significant later amendments include the 15th Amendment (universal male suffrage), the 19th Amendment (women’s suffrage), and the 26th Amendment (lowering the voting age to 18).

Separation of Powers

  • The principle of separation of powers promotes a division of responsibilities among the three branches of government - legislative, executive, and judiciary.
  • The Legislative branch makes the laws and consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
  • The Executive branch enforces the laws, which is led by the President.
  • The Judiciary branch evaluates the laws and is headed by the Supreme Court.
  • This distribution of power helps to ensure that no single authority can gain too much control, maintaining a balanced democracy.

Checks and Balances

  • The constitution incorporates a system of checks and balances to prevent misuse of power by any one branch.
  • This system enables each branch to restrain or challenge the powers of the other branches.
  • For example, the President (Executive) can veto laws passed by Congress (Legislative), but Congress can override the President’s veto with a two-thirds vote.