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.

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.

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/

Concerns of the Convention

• representation (big vs small states)

• strong central government vs weak central government

• slave trade

• executive power

• bill of rights

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."