For many years, the U.S. Constitution has become a pinnacle aspect in the debates between political parties and raises a question yet to be answered: Is the Constitution still relevant? Often times referred to as the “framework” of our nation’s government, the U.S. Constitution is open for interpretation and only serves as a guideline thus meaning that there is no correct or incorrect standpoint on the issue of relevancy. Some may claim that the Constitution is no longer relevant because it was written in 1787 therefore, it is “outdated” and cannot fit the many needs of modern day society and it is restricted to the minds of The Founding Fathers who constructed it rather than the people of the United States. On the other hand, one can argue …show more content…
The principles it possess are still an integral part of a smooth-running country that still successfully exists today such as the United States. In 1796, George Washington, the nation’s first president and a Founding Father, made a remark that still holds true today: “The Constitution, which at any time exists, ‘till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole People, is sacredly obligatory upon all.” By this is meant that the conformity to this sacred document is direct order of the people who live under it because they have the legal obligation to make changes with popular demand. The Constitution was created to do two things: establish a government for …show more content…
Despite the fact that The Constitution is 226 years old, it is a living document and there have been and will be changes made which make it still relevant. Critics argue that “that writing the Constitution was far easier for the Framers while they were writing it and could avoid the problems we face today like needing a super majority to change the Constitution,” (Irvine) however, the Constitution allows amendments to be made and to date has 27 of them which discounts that argument. The process of amending The Constitution, although may seem grueling to a typical critic, proves to be successful. Each amendment serves a vital role in protecting the American people and was not added without popular demand. The Constitution is tailored to meet the needs of modern day society that the Founding Fathers were unable to account for while constructing the political and governmental masterpiece. Specifically, the 13th amendment abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude unless it is used as punishment. Slavery was practiced in the United States for 245 years before it was abolished. In 1787 the United States still condoned slavery however, the limitless opportunities that the U.S. Constitution granted, enabled the American people to abolish it in order to cultivate the social norms of society. Because this document still lives, we must simply abide by its principles. Many people have
The constitution of the United States is an insightful and revolutionary idea of how a government should be practiced in order to prevent a greedy, corrupt form of government from establishing and taking over its people. The US government is founded on the principle that it works for its people, meaning that whatever is legislated is meant only for the benefit of the American people. However, the Constitution is at this point flawed due to the fact that many of its proclamations are vague and outdated, and has to be left to interpretation as to what the framers truly intended of it. This is dangerous because it further divides the nation when Americans believe in different forms of what is constitutionally righteous, and this may start a civil
It is quite difficult to ascribe modern meaning to ancient texts. One could argue that there is no greater folly. The Constitution has been the guiding document of this country since its ratification over two hundred and thirty years ago, and for all of its scruples, is still the most important political document ever written. Thus, it is the role of several of our most hallowed institutions to ascribe modern meanings to ancient texts. The main visionary behind the Constitution, James Madison, would not understand our world today.
By considering the US constitution a living document, it lends weight to the position that it is indeed a flexible constitution because although there are limited formal amendments that have been passed through Congress over time, the interpretation of the basic principles of the constitution may change to mean different things in line with the
The Constitution of the United States was written in 1787, but there was a grapple for its ratification that went on until about two decades after the ratification. Members of Congress believed that the first government of the United States or the Articles of Confederation, needed to be adjusted while others did not want anything to change. After the Revolutionary War, the people did not want a strong central government, because it reminded them too much of what they were trying to escape from. Under the Articles, each state had their own laws, and the need for a new Constitution was desired by many. The Constitution of 1787 created huge debates, arguments and splits in the nation that lasted for several year after its ratification between people who
Lincoln wanted to put the 13th Amendment on the Republican platform and use this during his reelection campaign. From all aspects, this looks more like a political tactic rather than a way to ensure the freedom of the slaves in America, however politics are politics and that will never change. Lincoln was successful in getting the amendment passed through the Senate in the House.
On September 17th, 1787, a new nation was signed into existence: a nation built upon the promise of liberty, and the fear of authoritarian power. The framer’s of this nation put great care into their plan to limit the executive authority, out of apprehension that this new nation would return to the monarchy that they had just escaped. The United States of America was a nation with high hopes, and with no knowledge of the greatness it would emit, nor of the hardships it would endure. The constitution that the United States Framers created was obsolete by the turn of the 19th century, and had to be consistently amended to contend with the changing times. More than anything else in the government, the role of the executive authority in the United
The United States Constitution not only provides a basic framework of government, but also allows for flexibility to adapt to changes overtime. In order to do this, constitutional principles, such as judicial review and the amending process are used to allow for these alterations. Previous leaders of our country realized that things would hardly be the same in the 1700’s as they were to be in the 1800’s, let alone the 2000’s. Thus creating the amendment process, the addition of a new amendment to the United States Constitution.
The U.S. Constitution is a Living Document Since society has changed dramatically between the eighteenth and twenty first century, the U.S Constitution should be considered as a living document because it is not applicable in today's society and therefore in need of some changes in order to fit into today’s society. When our founding fathers wrote the constitution they did not have in mind all the technological advancements the U.S. will one day have. Such as the internet, television, radio, and so on. Other’s will say that if the constitution was considered a living document then judges will take advantage and manipulate the constitution to their benefit, but they don’t realize that people already manipulate the constitution. There were laws that contradicted the constitution like the Judiciary Act of 1789, which contradicts Article III of the Constitution in the Marbury v. Madison case.
DBQ Essay The United States Constitution is a document that or founding fathers made in order to replace the failing Articles of Confederation (A of C). Under the Constitution, the current government and states don’t have the problems they faced when the A of C was in action. The Constitution was created in 1788, and held an idea that the whole nation was nervous about. This idea was a strong national government, and the Federalist assured the people that this new government would work. The framers of the Constitution decided to give more power to the Federal government rather than the state governments because the A of C had many problems, there was a need for the layout of new government, rights, and laws, and there was a need for the Federal
The Constitution of the united states of America means to me my rights as an American citizen. The constitution makes me feel safe from the government because it protects my rights. It lets me know the government power over the people, and the laws they can make and the laws they can not make. The Constitution ensures my freedom as an American. It is a very important document for the United States of American for the president to follow.
Angela Davis Once said “Well for one, The 13th Amendment to the constitution of the U.S. which abolished slavery, did not abolish slavery for those convicted of a crime.” Although the amendment was desperately needed it made more problems for the U.S.The thirteenth amendment was about abolishing slavery. Many people had different opinions about this amendment. The amendment affected our nation dramatically. The 13th amendment to the United States Constitution says that, "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.
The Constitution—the foundation of the American government—has been quintessential for the lives of the American people for over 200 years. Without this document America today would not have basic human rights, such as those stated in the Bill of Rights, which includes freedom of speech and religion. To some, the Constitution was an embodiment of the American Revolution, yet others believe that it was a betrayal of the Revolution. I personally believe that the Constitution did betray the Revolution because it did not live up to the ideals of the Revolution, and the views of the Anti-Federalists most closely embodied the “Spirit of ‘76.” During the midst of the American Revolution, authors and politicians of important documents, pamphlets, and slogans spread the basis for Revolutionary ideals and defined what is known as the “Spirit of ‘76”.
Because of its vagueness, it will continue to adapt with the times. It can be determined that the Constitution was a good first step in the right
The government today is based off a document written over 200 years ago called the Constitution. This document helped form the government and country we live in today.. The United States Constitution is still relevant today because it formed the way this great nation would be run, from checks and balances, separation of powers and the rule of law structuring the way the government will function. At the end of the American Revolution the founding fathers wrote and signed a document called the Declaration of Independence. This document was written to tell the sovereignty of great britain that they will not be under his rule.
The Constitution of the United States was formed 223 years ago. Since 1787, a lot has changed. We grew as a country, technology advanced, and we elected 43 different presidents. One of witch, being the first African-American President in history. Due to its age, some may argue that the Constitution is irrelevant to today’s problems.