U.S. Constitution

Definition

The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework for the federal government and guaranteeing individual rights. It was drafted in 1787 and has been amended 27 times, reflecting the evolving nature of American society and its legal principles. The Constitution lays the foundation for the rule of law, ensuring that government powers are limited and that individual liberties are protected.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The U.S. Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
2. It establishes a system of checks and balances to prevent any branch of government from dominating the others.
3. The Constitution is considered a living document, allowing for interpretation and amendments to adapt to societal changes.
4. The Supremacy Clause in Article VI establishes that federal law takes precedence over state laws when there is a conflict.
5. The Constitution has been amended only 27 times since its ratification, with the Bill of Rights being the first ten amendments added in 1791.

Review Questions

• How does the U.S. Constitution ensure that individual rights are protected within the framework of government?
  • The U.S. Constitution protects individual rights through its provisions, most notably in the Bill of Rights, which outlines specific freedoms such as speech, assembly, and religion. By embedding these rights into the Constitution, it creates a legal barrier against government infringement. Furthermore, the system of checks and balances ensures that no single branch of government can overreach its authority, thereby safeguarding citizens' liberties.
• Discuss the significance of the separation of powers established by the U.S. Constitution in maintaining a balanced government.
  • The separation of powers is crucial because it divides governmental authority among three distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. This division prevents any one branch from accumulating excessive power and encourages cooperation and accountability among them. Each branch has specific functions and checks on the others, which maintains a balance that protects against tyranny and upholds democratic principles.
• Evaluate how amendments to the U.S. Constitution reflect societal changes and influence criminal justice practices in America.
  • Amendments to the U.S. Constitution serve as a barometer for societal shifts by addressing issues such as civil rights, voting rights, and criminal justice reforms. For instance, the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, while the 14th Amendment ensured equal protection under the law. These changes have profoundly influenced criminal justice practices by promoting fair treatment and protecting marginalized communities, illustrating how the Constitution evolves with American values and societal progress.

Related terms

Bill of Rights:

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that guarantee essential rights and freedoms to individuals, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.

Separation of Powers: A constitutional principle that divides government responsibilities among different branches (executive, legislative, and judicial) to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Judicial Review: The power of courts to assess whether a law or governmental action is consistent with the Constitution, established by the landmark case Marbury v. Madison.