2. DID YOU KNOW??
The U.S. Constitution has survived the Civil
War, presidential assassinations, and
economic crises to become the world’s oldest
written constitution.
Only 27 changes have been made to the
constitution during the nation’s history. (226
years)
3. When, where and by who?
The Constitution was written on September
17th
, 1787 and ratified on June 21, 1788.
It was written by James Madison and 55
delegates of the Constitutional Convention.
It was written in Philadelphia at the State
House now called Independence Hall.
4. What events led to the Constitution?
Shay’s Rebellion: This attack of Massachusetts
farmers over land showed how feeble the
Confederation of Congress was.
American Revolution: This revolution left the
United States very weak needing a stronger
government.
5. What documents led to the Constitution?
Articles of Confederation: The Articles failed by
not being able to enforce laws. They had a
weak national government and Congress was
the only branch of government.
Bill of Rights: These amendments protect
individual rights and the some states would not
accept the Constitution until the Bill of Rights
was put on it.
6. Why was the Constitution created?
It was created to replace the Articles of
Confederation.
Also, to create a new form of government and
framework for the United States.
7. Goals of the Constitution
FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION
-Strengthen relationship among states as part of a union and of the
national government as part of a new federal system
ESTABLISH JUSTICE
-Provide laws that are reasonable, fair and impartial
ENSURE DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY
-Keep peace and maintain order within the country
PROVIDE FOR THE COMMON DEFENSE
-Defend the nation against foreign enemies
PROMOTE THE GENERAL WELFARE
-Allow all citizens to benefit from protection of strong government
SECURE THE BLESSINGS OF LIBERTY
-Protect and preserve liberties recently won in American Revolution
8. What did the Constitution solve?
Popular Sovereignty: The people establish government and are the
source of its power so that the ultimate political power remains with the
people. The government won’t become too powerful.
Separation of powers: Power was divided among three distinct branches
of government. This also made it so that all the power would not be
concentrated in a few people.
Checks and balances: This system made sure that each branch could
change or cancel the acts of another branch limiting each others power.
Electoral College: This allows the president and vice president to be
elected by this group of people. Therefore, we now have a president.
9. What is the Constitution made of?
The Constitution is made up of 3 parts today:
The Preamble, the articles and the
amendments.
THE PREAMBLE- States broad goals for
the new government
7 ARTICLES- Structure of the U.S.
government
AMENDMENTS- The changes made to the
Constitution
10. What are the Constitutions limitations?
The government along with all people must
obey all laws under the concept known as rule
of law.
The 10th
amendment states that anything not
addressed in the Constitution is up to the
states to decide.
11. Changes? Is it still relevant?
I personally wouldn’t change anything about
the Constitution because it has worked for the
many years before. We have been able to
make amendments to it and we have still only
made a few because it was made so well.
Yes, I think the Constitution is still relevant
today because of the amendments that we
have made and how we still use it as the
United States framework.
12. Works Cited
United States Government Book (Our
semester book) by Holt McDougal
www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters
www.consortiumnews.com
