The United States Constitution, crafted during the Philadelphia Convention of 1787, embodies the nation's supreme law with a preamble, seven articles, and a closing endorsement. It reflects Enlightenment ideals and the influence of historical legal documents, establishing a federal government with a system of checks and balances. The ratification process, overcoming the Articles of Confederation's limitations, led to the adoption of the Constitution after intense debate and the promise of a Bill of Rights.
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Delegates debated and revised the initial draft of the Constitution during the Philadelphia Convention of 1787
Gouverneur Morris
Gouverneur Morris is credited with penning much of the final text of the Constitution
On September 17, 1787, the final session of the Constitutional Convention took place, culminating in the signing of the engrossed Constitution
The Constitution was transmitted to the states for ratification, requiring the approval of nine states to become effective
Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers, written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, were instrumental in persuading states to ratify the Constitution
Bill of Rights
The promise of a bill of rights helped assuage concerns about individual liberties and gain ratification from the required nine states
Magna Carta
The principles of due process and individual rights in the Constitution were informed by the Magna Carta
English Bill of Rights
The Constitution's principles of due process and individual rights were also influenced by the English Bill of Rights
John Locke
John Locke's ideas of natural rights and government by consent were foundational to the Constitution
Montesquieu
Montesquieu's proposal of the separation of powers influenced the Constitution's design and system of checks and balances
The preamble outlines the Constitution's purposes and asserts the principle of popular sovereignty
Legislative Powers (Article I)
Article I grants legislative powers to Congress and specifies its functions and limitations
Executive Branch (Article II)
Article II defines the executive branch, detailing the President's qualifications, powers, and procedures for election and succession
Judiciary (Article III)
Article III establishes the judiciary, setting forth the Supreme Court's role and jurisdiction
The Constitution has been amended 27 times to address the nation's changing needs, including the first ten amendments known as the Bill of Rights, which guarantee fundamental freedoms and protections
00
The ______, known as the supreme law of the ______, originated from the Philadelphia Convention in ______.
United States Constitution
United States
1787
01
Between ______ and ______, the Committee of Detail scrutinized their initial draft of the Constitution, leading to extensive discussions and amendments.
August 6
September 10
02
______ is recognized for writing a significant portion of the Constitution's final version, which was revealed on ______.
Gouverneur Morris
September 12
