The US Constitution by Silvano Bugarin

Overview of the US Constitution

sbugarin207597 — 2024-02-29 18:52:24 UTC

The US Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, laying out the framework for the organization of the government and its relationship with the people it governs. It starts with the Preamble, stating the purpose of the Constitution, followed by seven Articles that outline the structure of the national government, and ends with 27 Amendments that have been made to it over time.

Federalism

sbugarin207597 — 2024-02-29 18:52:24 UTC

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units. In the case of the United States, this means power is shared between the national (federal) government and the states. It's a key principle that affects how laws are made, enforced, and interpreted within the country.

The Preamble

sbugarin207597 — 2024-02-29 18:52:24 UTC

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." - This is the opening statement of the US Constitution that outlines the purpose and guiding principles of the government.

Articles I-VII

sbugarin207597 — 2024-02-29 18:52:25 UTC

The Constitution contains seven Articles that establish the framework of the federal government: Article I establishes the legislative branch, Article II the executive branch, Article III the judicial branch, Articles IV-VI describe the relationship between the states and the federal government, and Article VII outlines the process for ratifying the Constitution.

27 Amendments

sbugarin207597 — 2024-02-29 19:23:17 UTC

Freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly,

and petition.

2. Amendment

Right to bear arms.

3. Amendment

Citizens do not have to house soldiers.

4. Amendment

No unreasonable search or arrest.

5. Amendment

No double jeopardy or no witness against

yourself.

6. Amendment

The right to a speedy and public trial

7. Amendment

The right to a jury trial in civil matters of $20

and over.

8. Amendment

No excessive bail or cruel punishment.

9. Amendment

People get rights not listed in Constitution.

10. Amendment

Any rights not given to federal government are

given to the states and people.

11. Amendment

Individual cannot sue a state in a federal court.

12. Amendment

Separate ballots for President and Vice

President.

13. Amendment

Abolish slavery.

14. Amendment

If you are born or naturalized in the U.S. then

you are a citizen of the U.S.

15. Amendment

You cannot prevent a person from voting

because of race, color, or creed.

16. Amendment

Income tax.

17. Amendment

Popular election of U.S. Senators.

18. Amendment

Prohibition.

19. Amendment

Women get the right to vote.

20. Amendment

President takes office on January 20th instead

of March 4th.

21. Amendment

Repeal prohibition.

22. Amendment

President can only serve two terms.

23. Amendment

Washington D.C. residents can vote for

president

Amendment 24 Anti poll tax.

25. Amendment Lays down the rules for who becomes president if the president dies/resigns etc.

26. Amendment 18 year olds get to vote.

27. Amendment Congress cannot accept a pay raise until next term

Article I

sbugarin207597 — 2024-02-29 19:26:24 UTC

The supremacy of the people through their elected representatives is recognized in Article I, which creates a Congress consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives. The positioning of Congress at the beginning of the Constitution affirms its status as the “First Branch” of the federal government.

Article II

sbugarin207597 — 2024-02-29 19:28:13 UTC

The Executive Branch: Article II of the Constitution establishes the executive branch of the national government, headed by a single President. Article II outlines the method for electing the President, the scope of the President's powers and duties, and the process of removing one from office

Article III

sbugarin207597 — 2024-02-29 19:31:32 UTC

Article III of the Constitution establishes the federal judiciary. Article III, Section I states that "The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish."

Article IIII

sbugarin207597 — 2024-02-29 19:34:47 UTC

Article IV Relationships Between the StatesThe United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.

Article V

sbugarin207597 — 2024-02-29 19:35:27 UTC

The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments.

Article VI

sbugarin207597 — 2024-02-29 19:36:14 UTC

This article declares that the Constitution and the laws and treaties of the federal government are the highest in the land. While state courts rule on state laws, the federal courts can step in and order changes if the state laws go against federal law.

Article VII

sbugarin207597 — 2024-02-29 19:39:11 UTC

Article VII declares that the Constitution shall become the official law of the ratifying states when nine states ratified the document. When New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify on June 21, 1788, the Constitution became good law.