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U.S. Constitution Overview

Overview:

For this assignment, you will prepare a two-page written document that describes the U.S. Constitution. Please follow the instructions below and prepare your document. Be sure to save in .doc or .docx format, and to follow APA guidelines.

For more guidance about APA formatting, refer to the APA Resources in the Academic Support area of the “Student Resources” button on our course Home page.

Instructions:

In Module 2, we learned about the U.S. Constitution.

1. For this assignment, prepare a two-page paper that addresses the following:

· Describe the components of the U.S. Constitution as well as the history and purpose of the document.

· Describe the role of the U.S. Constitution in the U.S. legal system.

U.S. Constitution Overview

1. What are the components of the U.S. Constitution?,

2. What is the history of the U.S. Constitution?,

3. What is the purpose of the U.S. Constitution?,

4. What is the role of the U.S. Constitution in the U.S. legal system?,

5. How does the Constitution impact legal processes?

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Comprehensive General Response:

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The U.S. Constitution: History, Components, and Legal Role

History and Purpose of the U.S. Constitution

The U.S. Constitution, adopted on September 17, 1787, serves as the supreme law of the United States. It was drafted in response to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the country’s first governing document, which failed to unify the states under a strong central government.

The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia brought together delegates from 12 of the 13 states to design a framework that balanced state and federal powers while protecting individual liberties. Influenced by Enlightenment ideas, it was designed to prevent tyranny, establish the rule of law, and create a system of government that could adapt to changing circumstances through amendments.

The primary purpose of the Constitution is to:

• Define and limit government powers.

• Establish the structure of the federal government.

• Protect individual rights and liberties.

• Create a legal framework for resolving disputes.

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Components of the U.S. Constitution

The U.S. Constitution contains several key components:

1. Preamble:
   A brief introductory statement outlining the goals of the Constitution, such as establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, and securing liberty.

2. Articles:
   There are seven articles, each addressing a major aspect of government:

   • Article I: Establishes the legislative branch (Congress) and its powers.

   • Article II: Outlines the executive branch and presidential powers.

   • Article III: Establishes the judicial branch, including the Supreme Court.

   • Article IV: Defines state powers and interstate relations.

   • Article V: Explains the amendment process.

   • Article VI: Establishes federal law as the supreme law of the land.

   • Article VII: Addresses ratification of the Constitution.

3. Amendments:
   There are currently 27 amendments. The first 10, known as the Bill of Rights, protect fundamental freedoms such as speech, religion, and due process. Later amendments address issues like voting rights, abolition of slavery, and presidential term limits.

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Role of the U.S. Constitution in the Legal System

The Constitution forms the foundation of the U.S. legal system. It:

• Establishes the separation of powers among the three branches of government.

• Ensures checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

• Protects individual rights by limiting government authority through enforceable provisions.

• U.S. Constitution Overview