2.1 Origins and principles of the U.S. Constitution
2 min read•july 24, 2024
The Constitution emerged from a tumultuous period, replacing the weak . It established core principles like , , and , shaping the U.S. government's structure and function.
Key compromises during the addressed representation, slavery, and presidential selection. The amendment process allowed for changes, including the , which protected individual liberties and addressed Anti-Federalist concerns about federal power.
Historical Background and Constitutional Principles
Context of Constitution's creation
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Top images from around the web for Context of Constitution's creation
The Ratification of the Constitution – American Government (2e) View original
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The 1787 Constitutional Convention: Conflicts and Ratification View original
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Rebelión de Shays - Shays' Rebellion - abcdef.wiki View original
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The Ratification of the Constitution – American Government (2e) View original
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The 1787 Constitutional Convention: Conflicts and Ratification View original
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Articles of Confederation (1781-1789) established weak central government allowing states to retain sovereignty without executive or judicial branches
(1786-1787) exposed weaknesses in Articles of Confederation demonstrating need for stronger central government
(1786) called for convention to revise Articles of Confederation
Constitutional Convention (1787) delegates met in Philadelphia decided to create new constitution instead of revising Articles
(1787-1789) required nine states for ratification published to promote ratification
inaugurated as first President (1789) marking start of new government under Constitution
Core principles of Constitution
Separation of powers divides government into legislative (Congress), executive (President), and judicial (Supreme Court and federal courts) branches
Checks and balances system includes presidential veto, congressional override, and judicial review
Federalism divides power between federal and state governments through enumerated and reserved powers
places ultimate power with the people
constrains government power (Bill of Rights)
ensures no one is above the law (impeachment process)
Republican form of government uses elected representatives (House of Representatives, Senate)
Constitutional Compromises and Amendments
Compromises in Constitutional Convention
(Connecticut Compromise) created bicameral legislature with House based on population and Senate with equal state representation
counted enslaved persons as 3/5 for representation and taxation increasing Southern states' representation in Congress
compromised between popular vote and congressional selection of president
included Fugitive Slave Clause and 20-year delay on banning slave trade
gave Congress power to regulate interstate and foreign commerce while prohibiting export taxes
Amendment process and Bill of Rights
Proposal: 2/3 majority in both houses of Congress or 2/3 of state legislatures
Ratification: 3/4 of state legislatures or state conventions
Bill of Rights (first ten amendments) added to address Anti-Federalist concerns protects individual liberties and limits federal power
Key rights include freedom of speech, religion, and press (), right to bear arms (), protection against unreasonable searches and seizures ()
Subsequent amendments abolished slavery (13th), guaranteed equal protection and due process (14th), expanded voting rights (15th, 19th, 26th)