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Articles of Confederation: 1st Constitution of the US

After gaining independence, the states abided by the Articles of Confederation, made by the Continental Congress. It was written as a response to the traumas experienced in the tyranny of King George III. They feared that another tyranny would arise. And so they limited the powers of the central government and favored giving individual powers to states. It had several weaknesses: no executive branch, no national courts, no power to tax and regulate trade, no national military, etc. Its failure led to the call for a new constitution.

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The Constitution ensures that as Americans, our rights, freedom, and liberty are ours to hold for life. It promotes order and prevents conflict. Thus, it reminds us to be responsible, law-abiding citizens to maintain peace.

As American citizens, we must do our best to help the Constitution in fulfilling its promises. We can do this by following the laws listed in the Constitution; reporting and speaking out against injustices witnessed; and most especially, by treating everybody equally.

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Although the compromises discuss slaves, they oppose each other. It shows how the Constitution can be hypocritical at times. In the 3/5 Compromise, the Constitution somewhat acknowledges the slave population. Whereas, the Slave Trade Compromise promoted slavery.

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Federalism and debate between a strong or weak central government is one of the first and most impactful challenges of the Constitution. It shows that when power is concentrated in a central government it could lead to abuse of power. In contrast, it also shows that when States are given individual power, they separate and it becomes difficult to solve conflicts. These insights shaped the system of government we have now. It made compromises to ensure that there would be no abuse of power but order is still attained.

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I think that the strength of the Constitution is that it could be amended or revised. It is the "living document". It can be changed to be flexible and adaptable to meet the country's current and future needs. The Constitution was written 2 centuries ago. The problems of the past are different from the problems of today. If the Constitution remained as it was in 1787, there would be no room for change and current issues would remain unsolved.

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I think that the weakness of the Constitution is that it lacks a proper standard for who is allowed and not allowed to rule the country. I think it's hypocritical to be the President, the supposed role model of the country, but fail to abide by the rules you impose. There are only 3 requirements to declare candidacy. As time progresses, society and conflicts become more complex and volatile. Are those 3 simple requirements enough to combat those?

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Life, liberty, equality, and freedom are the values of the American Promise. However, the Constitution failed to uphold these values—mainly equality. I say this because, at present, I witness people constantly degraded due to their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, political beliefs, etc. Day by day there is news of hate crimes and attacks. When people view other groups as inferior, they think that it is justifiable to go against them. If we respected one another and viewed each other equally, we wouldn't hate each other. Justice, tranquility, and general welfare would be preserved if we truly saw each other as equals.

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https://www.pbs.org/video/birth-of-the-constitution-n6nmxk/

https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-constitution/

https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/constitutional-convention/issues-of-the-constitutional-convention

https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/education/three-branches/executive-branch

https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/about

https://www.lwv.org/blog/one-person-one-vote-how-does-electoral-college-work

https://www.lwv.org/educating-voters/how-does-impeachment-work

https://eslbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/House-vs.-Senate.png.webp

https://www.usa.gov/midterm-elections

https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-judicial-branch/

https://youtu.be/J0gosGXSgsI?si=u3JMfs71EVdo7lqr

https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/intro.7-3/ALDE_00000032/#:~:text=Another%20basic%20concept%20embodied%20in,the%20national%20and%20state%20governments.

https://www.quia.com/pages/ktiffany/page156

https://www.britannica.com/topic/three-fifths-compromise

https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/constitutionalconvention-august25.htm#:~:text=The%20Convention%20passed%20a%20compromise,tax%20enslaved%20Africans%20as%20property.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-constitution/#:~:text=The%20First%20Amendment%20provides%20that,the%20right%20to%20bear%20arms.

https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/amdt14-S1-1-2/ALDE_00000812/#:~:text=S1.-,1.2%20Citizenship%20Clause%20Doctrine,the%20State%20wherein%20they%20reside.

https://landmarkcases.org/cases/miranda-v-arizona/

https://thefernandezfirm.com/miranda-warnings/#:~:text=Miranda%20warnings%20protect%20individuals%20by,in%20confessions%20made%20under%20coercive

https://www.acslaw.org/expertforum/our-constitution-has-failed-its-time-for-a-new-one/

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The Constitutional Convention took place in Philadelphia from May - September 1887 to revise the conflicts under the Articles of Confederation. It produced a new constitution, instead.

Concerns of the Convention

representation (big vs small states)

strong central government vs weak central government

slave trade

executive power

bill of rights

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History in a Nutshell | Birth of the Constitution | Season 1 | Episode 3

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Learn the history behind the development of the U.S. Constitution!

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If men were angels, no government would be necessary.

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James Madison: Father of the Constitution

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James Madison: Father of the Constitution

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Daddy Madi

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The Great Compromise by Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth

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enforces laws

comprised of: President, Vice President, and Cabinet

The President is the Commander-in-Chief and has the power to make treaties, appoint ambassadors, approve or reject bills, etc.

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evaluates laws

comprised of: supreme court and other federal courts

This branch has the power to interpret the law, determine the constitutionality of the law, and apply it to individual cases.

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Electoral College

The process that casts votes and determines the election of the President and Vice President. It consists of 538 electors. A majority of 270 electoral votes is needed to elect the President. Each state has the same number of electors as it does Members in its Congressional delegation.

*The District of Columbia has 3 electoral votes under the 23rd amendment.

Does your vote even count?

Your vote along with the votes of others in your state directs the vote of electors in the electoral college.

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Impeachment

does not mean the removal of an official from office. It is the process of bringing charges against a government official for wrongdoing.

Officials can be impeached for treason, bribery, and “other high crimes and misdemeanors.

A trial may be held to remove the official from office. If found guilty, he/she is removed and unable to hold elected office again.

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makes laws

comprised of: Congress (Senate and House of Representatives)

This branch has the power to declare war, regulate interstate and foreign commerce, and control taxing and spending policies.

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happen every 2 years in which one-third of the Senate and every seat of the House is up for election. Midterm congressional elections take place halfway between presidential elections. The person who receives the highest number of votes is elected.

435 House seats are all up for election every midterm and presidential election year. Meanwhile, a different third of the Senate is elected every 2 years.

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Justices are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They serve for life or until they resign, pass away, or are impeached and convicted by Congress.

Unlike the election process of the Executive and Legislative branches, members of the Judicial branch do not run. Instead, they are nominated. Skipping the campaign process makes them more committed to their duties and protects them from political pressure when deciding cases.

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A system in which branches of the government can check on each other to prevent one branch from having too much power.

I. The power of the President to veto laws is an example of the executive branch checking on the legislative branch.

II. The power of the Congress to override the President's veto with a 2/3 vote is the legistlative branch checking on the executive branch.

III. The power of the president to appoint judges to the Supreme Court is an example of the executive branch checking on the judicial branch.

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Federalism refers to the division and sharing of power between the national and state governments.

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was a compromise agreement between Northern and Southern states delegates. It states that three-fifths of the slave population would be counted for determining the direct taxation and representation in the House of Representatives.

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The compromise states that Congress could not ban the slave trade until 1808 (20 years). But, it could tax imported slaves or enslaved Africans as property.

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"Congress make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting its free exercise. It protects freedom of speech, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

The First Amendment is important then and now because it enables people to speak out and voice their truth. Because of this right, religions are respected and voices are heard. If the power of speech is deprived, it would allow injustice, crimes, and corruption to thrive in the shadows because no one is speaking out about them.

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"No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."

The Fourteenth Amendment remains crucial and relevant, especially now, because it guarantees that the rights of citizens remain intact. It preserves life, liberty, property, and protection. Moreover, because people migrate to the US —to eventually become citizens, it is good to know that they have equal protection granted under the law.

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Summary

Ernesto Miranda was arrested after his confession. The police officers who questioned him did not inform him of his 5th Amendment (right against self-incrimination) and 6th Amendment (right to an attorney). His lawyer then argued that his confession should not have been used in his trial because he was unaware of his rights.

Significance

The case of Miranda v. Arizona is important because it required police officers to inform suspects of their rights to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Since suspects are informed of their rights, they can avoid the pressures during interrogations and forced confessions. They are provided with the counsel to defend themselves. Thus, it prevents unjust convictions.

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Me, the one who made this. making this part to "stand out"

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"Be a lawyer and fix the constitution myself."

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"We can help by advocating for our rights and stuff. Focusing on social issues and fulfilling the promises the Constitution failed to provide."

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"Choose politicians that will stand by and support the Constitution"

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friend since elementary. fellow migrant residing in NC

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"Idk like address racism and inequality?"

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"protecting individual rights as outlined in the Bill of Rights, promoting fair and just laws, and supporting efforts to eliminate discrimination and inequality."

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Fictional educator that I put in here because I don't have a picture of my real teacher and it's not good to go on Facebook and grab a picture.

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"Sugar honey iced tea! As tough as it is, I'll do my part as a History teacher and continue to teach my students about the roots, knowledge, and significance of the Constitution"

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"Firstly, understand the Constitution. And go by the Constitution."

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"Vote"

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Valedictorian from my previous school, does not abide by the US Constitution nor a citizen

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"1. Watch news locally, nationally and internationally (i.e on social and civic issues) (ma'am toyokan advice)

2. Educate the citizens about their rights and responsibilities.

3. Treat everyone with respect and equality.

4. Support NGO's.

5. Speak out when rights are being suppresed.

6. Vote responsibly.

7. Promote inclusivity in all policies.

8. Be critical and knowledgeable.

9. Volunteer and participate in developmental programs.

10. Check the accountability of leaders."