Difference between revisions of "United States Constitution"
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''For the full text of the U.S. Constitution, see [[Full Text of the United States Constitution]].'' | ''For the full text of the U.S. Constitution, see [[Full Text of the United States Constitution]].'' | ||
| − | The United States Constitution is the supreme legal text that formed the framework of the current [[United States]] government. It superseded the [[Articles of Confederation]]. The Constitution was developed at the [[Constitutional Convention]] in [[Philadelphia]] during the summer of 1787 and proposed to the states on September 17, 1787.<ref>http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/constpap.htm</ref> It became law when nine out of thirteen states ratified it, despite the [[Articles of Confederation]] requiring unanimity for amendment. It took effect on March 4, 1789. It is the oldest constitution of its type still in effect. | + | The United States Constitution is the supreme legal text that formed the framework of the current [[United States]] government. It superseded the [[Articles of Confederation]]. The Constitution was developed at the [[Constitutional Convention]] in [[Philadelphia]] during the summer of 1787 and proposed to the states on September 17, 1787.<ref>http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/constpap.htm</ref> It became law when nine out of thirteen states ratified it, despite the [[Articles of Confederation]] requiring unanimity for amendment. It took effect on March 4, 1789. It is the oldest constitution of its type still in effect.[[http://www.constitutioncenter.org/explore/FastFacts/index.shtml]] |
==Constitutional Principles== | ==Constitutional Principles== | ||
Revision as of 17:01, July 11, 2007
For the full text of the U.S. Constitution, see Full Text of the United States Constitution.
The United States Constitution is the supreme legal text that formed the framework of the current United States government. It superseded the Articles of Confederation. The Constitution was developed at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia during the summer of 1787 and proposed to the states on September 17, 1787.[1] It became law when nine out of thirteen states ratified it, despite the Articles of Confederation requiring unanimity for amendment. It took effect on March 4, 1789. It is the oldest constitution of its type still in effect.[[1]]
Constitutional Principles
The Constitution of the United States of America specifies the laws by which The United States government is allowed to govern, included among these are the Freedom of Religion, Freedom of The Press, Freedom of Speech, and the right of habeas corpus (Amendment XIV). It also, helps to guarantee the rights of the minorities by rule of law, such as African Americans, women, religious freedoms, and other minority groups. It also defines a system of checks and balances by establishing three separate but equal branches of government (Legislative, Judicial and Executive), and a list of powers reserved to the states and to the people. It also established a republic form of government, by the consent of the governed.
