The US Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework of the government and delineating the powers and responsibilities of its branches. It serves as a foundational document that outlines the principles of democracy, rights of individuals, and the structure of government, directly addressing challenges faced under the Articles of Confederation.
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The US Constitution was ratified in 1788 and replaced the Articles of Confederation, addressing their weaknesses by creating a stronger federal government.
It established three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial, each with its own powers and responsibilities.
The Bill of Rights, comprising the first ten amendments to the Constitution, was added to protect individual liberties and limit government power.
The process for amending the Constitution is deliberately difficult, requiring supermajorities in Congress and ratification by the states to ensure stability.
The principle of selective incorporation applies the Bill of Rights to state governments through the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause, ensuring individual rights are protected at both federal and state levels.
Review Questions
How did the US Constitution address the challenges faced under the Articles of Confederation?
The US Constitution directly addressed challenges from the Articles of Confederation by creating a stronger federal government with clearly defined powers. The Articles had resulted in a weak national government unable to enforce laws or collect taxes effectively. The new Constitution established a system with separate branches of government, allowing for a balance of power and more efficient governance.
Evaluate how the principles embedded in the US Constitution promote democracy in America.
The principles embedded in the US Constitution promote democracy through mechanisms like federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances. By distributing power among different branches and levels of government, it prevents any single entity from becoming too powerful. Furthermore, it guarantees individual rights through amendments, ensuring citizens have a voice and protection against governmental overreach.
Analyze the impact of selective incorporation on civil liberties in relation to state governments.
Selective incorporation has significantly impacted civil liberties by extending protections found in the Bill of Rights to individuals at the state level through the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause. This legal doctrine has led to landmark Supreme Court cases that challenged state laws infringing on individual rights. As a result, citizens across all states are now afforded constitutional protections against arbitrary actions by state authorities, thereby reinforcing democracy at every level.
A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, allowing for a balance of power between national and state governments.
The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another, ensuring a system of checks and balances.
Formal changes or additions made to the Constitution, which allow for adjustments to be made as society evolves while maintaining the core principles of the document.