Origins and Basic Features
I. America: The First Revolution of the Modern Era
A. A Political Revolution Primarily
B. An Experiment in National Self-Rule
A. A League of Sovereign States
B. Absence of National Courts and Executive
C. Weak Central Government Powers
III. Adoption of the Constitution
B. The Convention at Philadelphia (Independence Hall)
C. Delegates
D. Ratification
IV. Constitutional Principles
A. Distrust of Concentrated Power: Limited Government & Natural Rights of Individuals
B. Shared Powers: Checks and Balances (Federalist #51) & Separated Institutions
C. Reliance of Consensus
D. Local Control over Local Affairs - Federalism
E. Rule of Law
V. Constitutional Change
A. Formal Change: Amendments
B. Informal Change
1. presidential action
2. congressional elaboration
3. custom and usage
4. judicial interpretation
A. Preamble
B. Seven Original Articles
1. Article I · The Legislative Branch
2. Article II · The Executive Branch
3. Article III · The Judicial Branch, Treason Defined
4. Article IV · State relationships, Provisions of Union.
5. Article V · Amendments to the Constitution
6. Article VI · Regarding Debts, Federal supremacy, Oath of Office
7.. Article VII · Ratification of this Constitution
C. Twenty-Seven Amendments
1. changing national government power
2. expanding powers of electorate
3. structural changes
4. limiting state powers
Key Web Sites
A More Perfection Union: The Creation of the Constitution