Overview
Today's lecture covered the origins, structure, and key features of the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing its history, foundational principles, and lasting impact on American government and society.
Purposes and Functions of Constitutions
- A constitution provides a framework for organizing government and establishing fundamental laws.
- The U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1787, is a single written document that has influenced constitutions globally.
- Constitutions authorize government power, impose limits, and symbolize shared national values and identity.
Historical Evolution of the U.S. Constitution
- The Declaration of Independence (1776) introduced foundational ideas: equality, consent of the governed, natural rights, and rule of law.
- The Articles of Confederation (1781-1789) created a weak central government, leading to disunity and crisis.
- The failure of the Articles led to the Philadelphia Convention, producing a new constitution to create a stronger central government.
Compromises and Ratification
- Key compromises included the Virginia Plan (representation by population), New Jersey Plan (equal state representation), and the Connecticut (Great) Compromise (bicameral Congress).
- The Three-Fifths Compromise counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.
- Federalists supported ratification with a Bill of Rights; Anti-Federalists feared centralized power.
Key Features of the Constitution
- Republicanism: Citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf (indirect democracy).
- Separation of Powers: Three government branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—prevent concentration of power.
- Checks and Balances: Each branch can limit the powers of the others (e.g., presidential veto, judicial review).
- Federalism: Power is shared between national and state governments.
- Adaptability: The Constitution's brevity allows modern application and interpretation.
- Amendment Process: Amendments require two-thirds of Congress or state legislatures to propose and three-fourths of states to ratify; only 27 amendments have passed.
Judicial Review and the Living Constitution
- Judicial review (established in Marbury v. Madison, 1803) allows courts to strike down unconstitutional laws.
- The Supreme Court is the final authority on constitutional interpretation, shaping its evolving meaning.
- The Constitution is a "living document" whose interpretation adapts to new circumstances.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Constitution — A foundational framework defining the organization, powers, and limits of government.
- Republicanism — A system where citizens elect representatives to govern for them.
- Separation of Powers — Division of government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
- Federalism — Sharing of power between national and state governments.
- Judicial Review — Courts' authority to declare government actions unconstitutional.
- Amendment — A formal change or addition to the Constitution.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read the U.S. Constitution.
- Complete the weekly reading review quiz.
- Participate in the film discussion board on "Constitution USA: A More Perfect Union."
- Reflect on how the Constitution affects your daily life and consider whether it should be revised for the 21st century.