Unit 1 Gov.

First and foremost, the first ever “constitution” to be founded was the “Articles of Confederation,” which were ratified in 1781, established a firm league of friendships between the states. However, it had many weaknesses. It had a weak federal government, with no right to tax, it was disorganized, and lead for many leaders/Federalists to call for a more powerful central government at the constitutional convention. Anti-federalists attacked the Articles of confederation out of fear of strong central government plans, and because it lacked a Bill of Rights. On 9/11/1786 the “Annapolis Convention” state delegates agreed to revise the “Articles of Confederation.” One year later delegates from all of the states except Rhode Island met and argued about how to strengthen the government.

The preamble (WE THE PEOPLE) is basically an introduction to the constitution. To state it more simply, every U.S. citizen wants to live equally among each other, help each other, and have a common knowledge of their rights, and liberties. A phrase that might be used to describe the constitution is, “By the people, for the people,” because that is how it was intended to work, U.S. citizens to help other U.S. citizens.

The seven articles: The first three are the branches of government, the fourth is about relations among the states, the fifth, amending the Constitution, Amend: to change, the first changes to the constitution were at the Annapolis Convention, and changes can still be made to the  constitution today, sixth is about national law and presidency, 7th is ratifying the constitution, to agree upon and allow the constitution.

27 amendments, The first 10 amendments are what make the Bill of Rights, written by James Madison “The Boss,” and guarantee individual liberties. 11th: adopted to overrule the supreme court’s decision. 12: president and vice president work together, equally. 13-15: reconstruction amendments.  16: income tax. 17: direct democracy from senate, we vote for our senator directly, rather than having them appointed through state legislatures. 18: prohibition- temporarily banning of alcohol. 19: (1920) women were allowed to vote. 20: handles the death of presidents before oath. 21: repeal of the alcohol prohibition(18th amendment). 22; presidents can only serve two, four year terms as president. 23: allows Washington DC to have 3 presidential electors. 24: ensures you didn’t have to pay to vote for any federal office. 25: decision on a president who cannot perform presidential duties. 26: allows US citizens 18+ year olds can vote, and also get drafted. 27: any law that caused increased pay of legislators cannot be in effect until after an election. Six basic principles/beliefs of the constitution are popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, judicial review, and federalism

 

I believe that the 2nd amendment is significant because it allows US citizens to have a gun to defend themselves when they feel harmed, but the downside to this is that a lot of people misinterpret this amendment, and misuse guns and therefore cause death, and crime. Guns are an extreme privilege and not meant to end up in the wrong hands! Which is why there are gun laws and restrictions like age, mental state, a background check, etc.

Secondly I believe that the 5th amendment is significant because just for being an american citizen, you have the freedom of speech(unless in a courtroom), and the right to state your side in every accusation against you, whether or not you have been accused of any crime, or blamed for someone else’s wrongdoing(crime).

The fact that the 13th amendment abolished slavery(1865) is good on so many levels. Slavery, and white supremacy were a huge negative impact on the world in the 1860’s, and this change totally flipped the way people lived. The 14th amendment states that all citizens of all states(in the US) had rights on a federal, and state level, this is another positive fact. The 14th amendment relates to the 13th amendment because it removed the 3/5ths counting of slaves, which meant that African Americans were then able to vote, and that they each counted as one person.

If I could present a 28th amendment to congress, I would ask that the percent of taxes that is taken out of our paychecks every payday could be reduced so we have more spending money, so we can pay off our bills, be able to support our families easier, etc.