What is the Constitution?
The One Special Document
America.
Does that name send a thrill through you like it does to me?
This country, America, is so special! Why? America is the land of the Free. The entire world is not nearly as free as we are.
Well, what makes America free? We have one special document that promotes the general welfare, guards us from our enemies, and ensures that us and our children will have the blessings of Liberty forever and ever.
What is it?
The Constitution.
Sadly, most of us don't know enough about this document anymore. A lot of people believe that the Constitution is an old document written by dead men and it does not relate to us today!
But the Constitution does pertain to us today! It is what secures the rights that you have! The voice to state your opinion, believe what you believe, and achieve your dreams! It is your future!
Our president swears when he enters office that he will "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
It is our duty as a citizen of the United States to keep an eye on our Representatives, Senators, and President. It doesn't matter if you are a kid. Your voice matters. Anyway, "We the people" does not say "except kids."
The rights guaranteed by the Constitution ultimately state that the real power of the government is in the hands of me and you.
A Basic Summary of the US Constitution
The US Constitution can be summed up in this sentence:
We the People, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America.
Go to Full text of the... Constitution to read more of this history-changing document!
A Who, What, When, Where, and Why
Who was the Constitution written by?
The Constitution was written by the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Many delegates contributed to the writing, but most consider James Madison to be the Father of the Constitution for his role in the Convention. He also took notes on all the proceedings, which his wife later sold to Congress. One look at Madison's copious notes will show that our Framers took a lot of care and effort to write the Constitution as best as they could.
What is the Constitution?
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land and secures our rights.
When was the Constitution written?
It was written over May - September 1787.
Where was the Constitution written?
Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Why was the Constitution written?
The Constitution was written because the current system of government, the Articles of Confederation, were not working well for the colonies. There were "wolves" waiting around America, waiting for it to fall. Hence, it was important that America had a strong enough government to protect the country, but had enough checks and balances to keep one or a few people from being in control.