What Is The Value Of The Constitution

After America shocked the world by defeating Great Britain in the War for Independence, the new nation needed a document that established their governments- state and national. After failed attempts with the Articles of Confederation, which gave the state governments too much power, the Constitution was eventually drafted. This contract established America’s national government and fundamental laws, and guaranteed certain basic rights for the citizens. The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, by delegates to the Constitutional Convention, in Philadelphia, conducted by George Washington. Said authors of the Constitution intended this document to rule our nation for eternity, yet a widely debated topic in the political science world, is whether or not the Constitution is still relevant in today’s

“The United States Constitution is the oldest written national constitution still in use” (Confederation and the Constitution, pg. 71). After more than 200 years, the Constitution is still changing to support the next generations needs. This “living document” has many different reasons that allow it to “fit in” with the new generations.

During the formation of the United States, colonists were receptive to the governments that came before them. Earlier governments, set strong precedents, and taught American Colonists the favored methods of creating constitutions. Two examples of ideal constitutions were the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights. The Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights were viewed by the colonists and were stepping stones for the creation of the United States. Specific segments of these documents were taken and transferred to the United States Constitution, due to the overall proof of success and benefits that it presented to earlier governments. Without some of the principles set in these two documents, the United States might not have been

This book emphasizes the alternative interpretations offered by Americans on the origins of the Constitution. Holton’s purpose with this book was to show that the framers interests involved making America more attractive to investors. In order to do so, they purposefully made the government less democratic with the writing of the Constitution. However, with the addition of the Bill of Rights, one could argue the Framers had at least a slight concern for the American people and their civil liberties.

The United States Constitution was ratified and made law September 17, 1789. For Americas yet-to-be history the Framers knew the Constitution had to have a way to grow and change with the people, and their needs. This paper will cover the amendment process, the need for the Bill of Rights, how the Bill of Rights has affected America, what the Bill of Rights have granted American’s, discuss the later amendments, and what effect the later amendments have had.

​The United States Constitution was carefully crafted by a group of deliberate and thoughtful individuals; each having their own unique and particular ideas about government, and the people it may govern. As this supreme foundation for government was molded, each founding father put forth their learned beliefs and philosophies to be integrated into this modern document. All of the crafting members were both well-read and thoroughly educated, allowing for deep and extended discussions on past governments, their efficiencies, and their deficiencies. Through their readings and philosophical discussions, it became apparent that two previously governing bodies stood, in their opinions, above the rest: The Greek and Roman empires. Their governmental practices and virtues were key in the development of the Constitution, as they were dissected, and eventually, emulated by this country’s founding members.

Viewing the Constitution of the United States of America – one of America’s oldest documents - as another great beloved American classic may be demanding for almost anyone to do. Because of its old age and “unrelatable” content, the American Constitution remains a difficult thing for people of all professions, races, religions, and political views to read and enjoy just as much as any other novel. Thanks to the renowned Akhil Reed Amar, the average person’s perspective of the United States’ Constitution is altered and their knowledge of the work is expanded through the explanations provided in America’s Constitution: A Biography. By explaining not only the mentality of those who dreamed, drafted, and voted for the Constitution but also the desires of the founding fathers when creating a democracy as their choice of an ideal government for their country in a world full of monarchies, Amar is able to give readers insight on a piece that was not only relevant when it was created but is able to expand as society does. Amar creates a biography perfect for those who desire to know more about the foundations America was built on and its ability to adapt and evolve throughout the

Our founding fathers imagined a country full of freedom and opportunity. This divine objective, however, did not promise such to everyone. As our government today views the original documents made by our fathers, we come to realize that they did not specify all our questionable rights presently.

America was founded on the principle of freedom and democracy. Throughout history, America has established laws, instituted policies and crafted a world class military to govern the way we live. With advancements in technology and world affairs, the way the military is governed has transformed from the principle ideas of the constitution to what is it today. The constitution, the sole document that is largely responsible for the make-up of our nation, continues to be molded and altered to address present day threats and customs. Despite the institutions embedded in the constitution, such as the Bill of Rights, to limit government power, change continues to shape legislation. Congress has adapted the constitution to the modern day issues of

Two hundred twenty-five years ago, on September 19th, 1789, the Constitution of the United States of America took on the responsibility of becoming the supreme law of the newly founded United States. As one of the most unique documents ever penned by man, it established a government “Of the people, by the people and for the people,” with “equal justice for all.” 1 The document makes no hesitation to establish power, as the first three words state “We The People,”2 thus placing the supreme power of government not in the hands of those elected, but in the peoples’ hands.

The Constitution is one of the most important, if not the most important, documents in the history of the United States. It is the basis for the freedom, peace and safety of all Americans. Gordon S. Wood takes a unique approach to looking at the Constitution based on its composition in his excerpt “The American Science of Politics”. According to political writings from 1776-1788, based on its innovative structure, Americans truly believed that in constructing the constitution, they created the single most outstanding form of government in the history of politics due to the scientific way of formulating a political system based on concrete paradigms and principles which are representation, popular sovereignty, and parceling of power.

Certain interests do not change over time in our society. Over 200 years ago, the prominent concern that led to the framing of the Constitution regarded the establishment of a government that was “for the people and by the people.” The framers of the Constitution, with concern of an over powering central government in mind, provided a basis for the structure of the federal government of the United States. The powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government are laid out strategically in a way that no one branch can have more power than the other. The national concern of maintaining a legitimate government has not shifted since the initial days of the framers. Although the capacity of the government has grown over time, the system of checks and balances that was adapted in the framing of the Constitution allows for the structure and powers of the federal government to remain in order today. Other than providing a structural map for how the government will operate, however, the additional aspects of the Constitution fail to administer practical framework for addressing 21st century interests. This document was written over 200 years ago and it has not been altered substantially since then (Lazare). While certain Amendments have been added to assist the Constitution in staying relevant, such as the abolishment of slavery and the addition of women’s right to vote, there has been practically nothing added to help in applying the framers’ intentions

Is the United States Constitution a sacred and absolute document? Dahl (2001) argued that the Constitution is not perfect or permanent in his book, How Democratic is the American Constitution. He stresses that his main aim is not to propose that the Constitution must be amended, but to facilitate readers in changing how they think about the Constitution. In order to help people rethink the Constitution, Dahl (2001) explained the limitations of its Framers and the Constitution’s not widely known undemocratic aspects. The strengths of the book are its ethos or reputation of the author that establishes his credibility, informal writing style that can appeal to more people, its consideration of a number of undemocratic aspects of the

The Zollverein was a, “customs union that abolished tariffs between all of the German states with the exception of Austria.” The roots for such a union began in 1818 when a variety of smaller customs unions were created amongst the German states. These smaller customs ultimately led to the Zollverein treaties of 1833, which in turn led to the creation of the Zollverein on January 1, 1834. This union improved the economies of the member states by stimulating the trade of those involved, as well as the unification of one single currency. This also made Prussia stronger because as the Zollverein gained more and more support, the middle class was able to gain the majority power in the seats of Parliament, and were in position to assert

Striving to make a fantasy a reality, the United States of America was formed. The fantasies, dreams, and ambitions of brave men and women drove the United States to freedom. However, with British provocations and colonists’ hardships, these dreams were only a factor among many others and, moreover, did not provide the structure needed to endure the realities of establishing a new state. The original document for the young nation, the Articles of the Confederation, summarized the hopes and dreams for what the country could be, but ultimately could not last against the true nature of reality as evidenced by civilian uprisings and its replacement by the Constitution, America’s founding document that continually proves more vigilant of reality. Although fantasies can seem more appealing and inspiring, reality constitutes human survival as a motivator pushing us to be successful.