What is the Constitution?
The U.S Constitution is a document that creates the United States Government. This document contains the contents for the three branches of Government, rights and responsibilities of the Citizen and rules for the President to follow. The Constitution of the United States sets forth the fundamental laws for the nation, establishes the government, and how it effects the people.The Constitution is divided into nine parts,including the Preamble, 7 articles , and the Bill of Rights.The Constitution starts with the Preamble. The Preamble is an introduction to the Constitution and explains what it is meant to do and the purpose of the new government set forth by the people. The guidelines that were set forward were to show how to make a better union.This document was so important that it took a total of 6 weeks, along with the constitution, to write. Do you think that is enough time to create a whole new Government? The Preamble is considered to be one of the most important documents in Americas history. It has been referenced by many judges, political leaders and even put into a song by Schoolhouse Rock.Although it is just an introduction, it is still just as important as the Constitution.
Articles of the Constitution
The Constitution has 7 articles that go into detail and describe a variety of things. Each article sets up a different section of the Government, and lists the roles of the particular section. The First article is the longest part of the Constitution. This article begins to put the government into place, starting with the legislative branch. Legislative means law-making and this part of the government represents the citizens. Members of the legislative branch are responsible for turning the peoples wants and needs into laws.Article Two of the Constitution describes the job of the executive branch in government. The Executive branch "executes" or enforces the laws set forth by the legislative branch. The leaders of this branch are the President, vice president and other departments in charge of helping the governments day- to - day business. Article Three creates the Judicial Branch and the Supreme Court. The Judicial branch of government interprets the laws and decided if they have been followed or not during specific court cases. Article Four is all about the States and the rights that they have. Each state has the power to create and enforce their own laws. This article also explains how each state is expected to interact with one another. Article Five is all about what must be done to change or amend the Constitution. There are two steps that must be completed in order for a change to be made to the Constitution. First, the amendment needs to be proposed or brought up to the congress. Once it is proposed, it must have a two- thirds vote of both houses of Congress. After it is proposed, it has to be ratified or passed with a three- fourths vote by the legislative. After that, the amendment is added to the Constitution. The main description of Article Six is the Supreme Law of the Land.Federalism is also proposed in this section, meaning that the National Government shares its power with the State governments. Article Seven is about ratification. Article seven confirms that the Constitution could not take effect until at least nine out of thirteen states gave their approval.
The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights was added to the constitution in 1791 and it consists of ten different amendments.
1. Freedom of Religion- Congress is not allowed to make a law about limiting Religion, Speech, Press or to Assemble, or that the Government make up for its wrong doings. Therefore, all citizens have the right to do all of those things peacefully
2. Right to Bear Arms- Citizens have the right to bear arms. All citizens can have the necessary weapons to protect themselves from harm.
3. Quartering of Soldiers- Citizens are not required to let soldiers live with them. If it is during times of war, the government has to outline it.
4. Search and Seizure- Citizens have the right to a private life inside their own house, unless there is a reason for authorities to think otherwise.If authorities think it is necessary to search a home, they must have a warrant, or permission.
5. Rights to a Person Accused of Crime- A person convicted of the law can not be forced to take a trial without the jury present, unless the armed forces are in times of danger. No citizen will ever have to go to court or be put to trial for the same crime twice. No person will ever have to testify against themselves and they can not be given a punishment without a trial first.
6. Speedy Trial- An accused criminal has the right to a fast trial, meaning that they do not have to wait for years to go to court. They also have the right to an impartial jury that is informed of the situation.
7. Jury Trial in Civil Cases- Each person has a right to a jury when it is a civil case. A civil case is a case between two people, not the criminal and the law. In this type of case, each person also has the right to a lawyer and a fair trial.
8. Excessive Bail or Punishment- The Government can not make you pay an amount of money that is unreasonable for bail or trial. The Government can not make any criminal do any cruel or unusual punishment, even if they convicted a serious crime.
9.Powers Reserved to the People- Although all of the rights are listed in the Constitution, it does not mean you do not have other rights.
10. Powers Reserved to the State- If the Constitution does not say something specific, it is up to the States and the people to make a new change.
1. Freedom of Religion- Congress is not allowed to make a law about limiting Religion, Speech, Press or to Assemble, or that the Government make up for its wrong doings. Therefore, all citizens have the right to do all of those things peacefully
2. Right to Bear Arms- Citizens have the right to bear arms. All citizens can have the necessary weapons to protect themselves from harm.
3. Quartering of Soldiers- Citizens are not required to let soldiers live with them. If it is during times of war, the government has to outline it.
4. Search and Seizure- Citizens have the right to a private life inside their own house, unless there is a reason for authorities to think otherwise.If authorities think it is necessary to search a home, they must have a warrant, or permission.
5. Rights to a Person Accused of Crime- A person convicted of the law can not be forced to take a trial without the jury present, unless the armed forces are in times of danger. No citizen will ever have to go to court or be put to trial for the same crime twice. No person will ever have to testify against themselves and they can not be given a punishment without a trial first.
6. Speedy Trial- An accused criminal has the right to a fast trial, meaning that they do not have to wait for years to go to court. They also have the right to an impartial jury that is informed of the situation.
7. Jury Trial in Civil Cases- Each person has a right to a jury when it is a civil case. A civil case is a case between two people, not the criminal and the law. In this type of case, each person also has the right to a lawyer and a fair trial.
8. Excessive Bail or Punishment- The Government can not make you pay an amount of money that is unreasonable for bail or trial. The Government can not make any criminal do any cruel or unusual punishment, even if they convicted a serious crime.
9.Powers Reserved to the People- Although all of the rights are listed in the Constitution, it does not mean you do not have other rights.
10. Powers Reserved to the State- If the Constitution does not say something specific, it is up to the States and the people to make a new change.
Review Questions
- What is the Constitution?
- How many parts is the Constitution split into?
- What is the Preamble?
- How many articles are in the Constitution?
- When was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?
Review Answers
1. A set of fundamental rules the Nation should follow.
2. There are 9 parts to the Constitution.
3. The Preamble is the introduction to the Constitution and is considered the most important section.
4. There are 7 articles in the Constitution.
5. The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution in 1791.
2. There are 9 parts to the Constitution.
3. The Preamble is the introduction to the Constitution and is considered the most important section.
4. There are 7 articles in the Constitution.
5. The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution in 1791.
Vocabulary
- Bill of Rights- A collective name for the first 10 Amendments in the Constitution.
- Preamble- The first paragraph of the Constitution that explains what the Constitution does.
3. Article- Forming a particular part of a book or other publication.
4. Legislative- Having the power to make laws
5. Executive- Having the power to put plans, actions, or laws into effect.
Review Section
Overall, the Constitution is the foundation of the United States Government. It consists of many different important aspects, that effect all citizens. The Constitution is broken down into the Preamble, seven different Amendments, and the Bill of Rights. The Constitution took a long time to make, but it was well worth it because it is something our country still uses today.