"We the People of the United States"

WHO GIVES THE PRESIDENT HIS Authority?

WHO GIVES CONGRESS THE POWER TO CREATE OUR LAWS?

WHO GIVES THE SUPREME COURT THE AUTHORITY TO INTERPRET OUR LAWS?

"The Constitution does not solve our problems.

It gives people freedom and opportunity to solve their own problems.

It gives representatives of the people authority to help solve problems.

It provides an executive to enforce the laws and administer the government.

It provides a judicial branch to say what the law means. From there on it is up to the people."

Warren E. Burger, Chairman of the Commission, Chief Justice of the United States (1969-1986)

The U.S Constitution - celebrating 200 years of successful government by the people.

Two hundred years ago, a document was drafted establishing the American system of government. No other people had ever written such a document. And the government it created has successfully endured longer than any of its kind in history.

In 1787 there was a need for a strong national government.

After the Continental Congress voted for independence from England in 1776, the "Articles of Confederation" were drafted. granting limited federal power. But the government could not levy taxes or regulate trade between the states or with foreign countries.

In America's early years, disputes often arose among the states. Locked into a clumsy structure, the U.S. government was too weak to enforce treaties or settle differences.

A decade after independence, it was apparent that the articles were ineffective. To survive, the national government needed a stronger foundation.

55 experienced delegates met to decide how the American government should function.

In May, 1787, the Constitutional Convention opened in Philadelphia. Its purpose was to strengthen the Articles of Confederation. But after some debate, it was agreed that a completely new government should be created.

The Convention delegates were a distinguished group comprised of some of the best educated, most respected men in the United States. They were men who had studied law, government, political theory, and history. Some of the delegates are familiar to you - George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Benjamin Franklin.

The executive, legislative and judicial branches - a careful "separation of powers".

Many obstacles were faced and overcome during the course of the Convention. With some skillful comnpromise, a structure for the new government finally emerged.

There would be three equal branches of government. The Executive Branch, led by the President, who would administer the government.

The Legislative Branch, comprised of the Senate and the House of Representatives, would make the nation's laws.

And the Judicial Branch, consisting of our federal court judges, would interpret the laws for particular cases.

The Constitution grants power, limits power, and protects against abuses of power.

The Constitution assigned responsibilities and powers to each of these three branches and the government. At the same time, it provided for a system of "checks and balances" to ensure that no one branch could abuse its power.

To ratify or not to ratify - a long, hard struggle.

In September of 1787, the new Constitution was presented to the states for ratification. Supporters and opponents took up their positions, and a rich dialogue ensued which lasted for almost nine months.

The Federalists supported the Constitution. They believed a strong national government would help America prosper and compete with foreign countries. Since the government was responsible directly to America's citizens, they believed the rights of the people would be safe.

The Anti-Federalists felt differently. They argued that the Revolution had been fought to overcome excessive government power. They feared the new Constitution granted too much strength to the federal government, and would interfere with individual rights.

In the end, an addition - The Bill of Rights.

To guard against the loss of liberties, the first Congress agreed that a Bill of Rights should be added to the Constitution. The Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments, was ratified by the states and became part of the Constitution on December 15, 1791.

Amendments let the Constitution reflect change.

Through the years, other amendments have been added to the Constitution. There are now 26. The most recent was added in 1971, granting the vote to eighteen-year olds.

Most of the amendments have either altered government structure or strengthened the Constitution's guarantee of equality and justice.

The ability to add amendments ensures the Constitution's vitality and effectiveness through changing times.

The basic principle - all political power rests with the people.

If there is one guiding principle of the U.S. Constitution, it is that power is granted to the government by those who are governed - We the people of the United States.

We the people are the foundation of our representative government.

As Americans, we have rights and we have responsibilities.

Each person has the right to participate or not to participate in government.

However, an informed, involved citizenry is the best insurance for a continued free and representative government. Be involved in your community.

The Constitution is the foundation of the American way of life. Learn more about it.

Your public library is full of information on the history of the Constitution, the men who drafted it, and the functioning of the American government. To celebrate the birthday of the U.S. Constitution, learn about the illustrious document that has guaranteed our rights and kept the nation free for the past 20() years.

U.S. Government Printing Office, The Constitution (Washington, D.C., 1990).