The Constitution as Supreme Law
The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Drafted in 1787 at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and ratified in 1788, it sets up the framework of the federal government, defines its core powers, and protects the fundamental rights of all individuals residing in the United States. All federal and state laws must comply with the Constitution.
Popular Sovereignty: 'We the People'
The Preamble begins with the historic phrase 'We the People', establishing the bedrock principle of self-government. This means that sovereignty resides with the citizenry, and the government derives its just powers directly from the consent of the governed.
The Rule of Law
The Rule of Law ensures that laws apply equally to all people. Under the Rule of Law:
- Everyone must follow the law.
- Leaders must obey the law.
- Government must obey the law.
- No person or government official is above the law.
The Declaration of Independence
Adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence announced that the thirteen American colonies were free and independent states separated from Great Britain. It declared that all people are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights, notably:
- Life
- Liberty
- The pursuit of happiness
The Bill of Rights & Constitutional Amendments
An amendment is a formal change or addition to the Constitution. To date, there have been 27 amendments.
The first 10 amendments, ratified in 1791, are known as the Bill of Rights. They protect core individual liberties:
- The First Amendment protects five vital freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, and the right to petition the government.
- Freedom of Religion means you can practice any religion, or practice no religion at all.
Economic System
The economic system of the United States is a capitalist economy or market economy, where private individuals and businesses own goods and operate for profit in competitive markets.