The Constitution of The United States

The Constitution of the United States established our government and the laws we have today, and also promised basic rights for its citizens. In 1787, delegates from twelve states met together to try and come up with something to make the Articles of Confederation stronger. All the delegates wanted to do was develop a way that can make our government more powerful. But at the same time, the “farmers” of the new Constitution of the United States wanted to limit the power of the government and protect the citizens rights. In 1789, the Constitution of the United States was ratified and since then has been the core of our government.

The constitution sets strict laws and boundaries everyone has to obey. Stated in Document 1 it states that every state shall be forced to obey it regardless of the laws set in that particular state. Also stating that all people in the government office are bound by oath to support the constitution. The laws show the people how to act and our rights, but also shows the leaders of the United States their boundaries of power. In Document 2 is specifically states the duties of the Three Branches of the Federal Government. 1st branch of the government -Congress has the power to create laws, raise taxes, barrow money, declare war, etc. 2nd branch of the government- president of the United States has the power to grant pardons to federal offenders, nominate federal judges and other officers, negotiate treaties with foreign nations, etc. Lastly the 3rd branch of the government federal courts have the power to interpret and rule on laws and interpret and rule on the actions of the other branches. We’ve set a strong National (Federal) government by the boundaries and rules made in the constitution.

Two methods included in the Constitution to limit the power of the national government is Separation of Powers. In Document 3 it discusses the separation of powers which gives each branch a set of rules and boundaries in power. With these boundaries set the branches don’t have to step on each other toes. So each branch knows what they have to do and what they don’t have to do. With these two methods it limits the power of the government and still keeps the rights of the US citizens.

In Document 5 the first 10 Bill of Rights are listed. The Bill of Rights are guarantee the rights of US citizens. Some rights that are listed include freedom of speech, assembly, and worship. The Bill of Rights has served as the cornerstone of basic American freedom. The first ten amendments limit the power of the federal government of the United States and protects the rights of all citizens, residents and visitors in the United States. The 1st amendment of the constitution is, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances”., this states that our freedom shouldn’t be jeopardized in anyway- by anyone. Also the 13th and 15th amendment talk about racism; no skin color should affect your rights as a human. These amendments prohibiting slavery and the right to vote no matter what race he/she may be.

Without the constitution we the people wouldn’t have any of the rights we have today. Boundaries and rules are set into place in the government to keep the peace, for the people and for the officials. The Constitution may have been written a long time ago, but will always be a key part in our government.