U.S Constitution by Celeste Castillo

Overview of the U.S. Constitution

ccastillo108092 — 2024-02-26 17:31:13 UTC

The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land, written in 1787 and ratified in 1788. It established the framework for the federal government and safeguards various rights and liberties of the American people. Its principles and amendments are a testament to the nation's values and commitment to democracy.

Federalism

ccastillo108092 — 2024-02-26 17:31:13 UTC

Federalism is a cornerstone of American government, embodying the division of power between the federal government and the states. It allows both to exercise authority in their respective jurisdictions, promoting a balance that ensures neither becomes too powerful.

Separation of Powers

ccastillo108092 — 2024-02-26 17:31:14 UTC

The principle of separation of powers divides the government into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. This system prevents any single branch from gaining too much power by establishing checks and balances between them.

Popular Sovereignty

ccastillo108092 — 2024-02-26 17:31:14 UTC

Popular sovereignty is the idea that the authority of the government is derived from the consent of the governed. It's a key democratic principle that gives the people the power to elect their leaders and hold them accountable.

Rule of Law

ccastillo108092 — 2024-02-26 17:31:14 UTC

The rule of law is a fundamental concept that ensures all citizens, including government officials, are subject to the law. It's critical for maintaining a free and fair society where justice prevails over arbitrary power.

Individual Rights

ccastillo108092 — 2024-02-26 17:31:14 UTC

Individual rights are the liberties and freedoms guaranteed to all Americans by the Constitution and its amendments. These rights include freedom of speech, religion, and the press, among others, protecting citizens from government overreach.

The Articles

ccastillo108092 — 2024-02-26 17:31:14 UTC

The Constitution consists of seven articles that outline the structure of the federal government, including its powers and the responsibilities of its branches. They lay the foundation for how the government operates and interacts with the states.

Article I assigns the responsibility for making laws to the Legislative Branch (Congress). Congress is divided into two parts, or “Houses,” the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Article II establishes the executive branch of the national government, headed by a single President.
Article III establishes and empowers the judicial branch of the national government.
Article IV Deals with the states. The relationship between the states, issues of territory, and the federal government's responsibility to the states
Article V says how the Constitution can be amended
Article VI declares that the Constitution and the laws and treaties of the federal government are the highest in the land.
Article VII declares that the Constitution shall become the official law of the ratifying states when nine states ratified the document.

Amendments 1-10 (Bill of Rights)

ccastillo108092 — 2024-02-26 17:31:14 UTC

1. The freedom of religion, speech, and to peacefully assemble together.

2. The right to own a gun.

3. The right to not house a solider.

4. The right to not be searched or have something taken away within reason.

5. The right to life, liberty, property, and no double jeopardy or self-incrimination.

6. The right to a speedy trial, public trial, and with a jury of your peers.

7. The right to an jury trial in a civil case.

8. Protection from excessive bail, and cruel and unusual punishments.

9. The rights not listed in the Constitution.

10. Any rights not given to the federal government are given to the states.

Amendments 11-27

ccastillo108092 — 2024-02-26 17:31:14 UTC

11. Protects the states from law suits.

12. There are separate ballets for the President and Vice President.

13. The abolishment of slavery.

14. Equal protection under the Constitution for all United States citizens.

15. No voting discrimination of race.

16. Income tax is legal.

17. Popular vote for United States Senate.

18. Prohibition of alcohol.

19. Women's right to vote.

20. Moving of dates for terms of presidency.

21. Repeal of prohibition of alcohol.

22. Limits the terms Presidents can serve.

23. Washington D.C. have the right to vote for President.

24. No poll taxes are allowed.

25. The succession for presidency shall something happen to the President.

26. The minimum voting age is 18.

27. Congress cannot get a pay raise until the next term.