The U.S. ConstitutionJoe Yount

When was it written?

• The constitution was written on May 25, 1787 during the Philadelphia Convention.

Who created it?

• James Madison created the majority of the U.S. Constitution.

• He was born on March 16, 1751 In  Port Conway, VA

• He died June 28, 1836

• President from 1809-1817

Why was it written?

• The Constitution was written to replace the previous government, the Articles of Confederation

• The Articles did not provide for a central government

• States could impose their own tariffs, have their own currency, and hold their own military.

• The Constitution gave an outline to our government

What events led to it?

• Boston Massacre: British soldiers fired upon colonists

• Articles of Confederation was ratifiedo Did not have a central government

• Shays’s Rebellion: Group of farmers rebelled over losing their land. Showed how weak the Articles were.

Where was it written?

• The U.S. Constitution was written in the Philadelphia State house.

What documents was it modeled from?

• The Articles of Confederation played a large role in creating the Constitution. The articles set up the first actual government in the United States.

• English Bill of Rights: Prevented monarchs from enacting laws, raising taxes, or holding an army. It also gave free speech to Parliament.

• Magna Carta: Protected the rights of nobles. Also said that kings and queens had to follow English laws.

What problems did it solve?

• Separation of Powers: The government was split into three branches: Judicial, legislative, and executive.

• Limited government: Powers and functions of the government were restricted.

• Popular Sovereignty: Ultimate political power remains with the people.

• Three-Fifths Compromise: 3/5 of enslaved people would be counted for the number of representatives.

Limitations?

• The Constitution limits the government by setting up the three branches of split power.

• The branches also run on a system of checks and balances, where each branch has certain powers over the others.

• The Bill of Rights also sets out laws that the government is supposed to follow.

Improvement?

• In my opinion, our government is very well set up. One thing I would change though is how there are a lot of loose interpretations. I would make the Constitution more specific so there weren’t as many of those loose interpretations.

Relevant?

• I do think that the Constitution is still as relevant today as it was when it was created. Without this document, our nation would not have a way of limiting government power. The Bill of Rights are also included in the Constitution and without that, we would not have our basic rights.