In 1787, the founding fathers of our country met in Philadelphia with one goal in mind; to put in writing the ideals and birthing documents of a brand new nation. The Constitutional Convention produced one of the most influential and important documents in our country's short history. Over 200 years later this document, The Constitution, is still the foundation of our nation. Effective in 1788, the Constitution, or more exact, the Preamble, provides a detailed description, including power and function, of each of the branches of government. Americas first government was seated under this Constitution in 1789. The Constitution outlined the relationship that this federal government would have with its subordinate state governments. It also defined the process of amending the document. The Constitution has been amended 27 times. The first 10 of these amendments are collectively known as the Bill of Rights.
The Preamble is a introductory statement of the Constitution's purpose and principles. The founding fathers used this preamble to portray their meaning of the constitution and the hopes they had for its acheivements. Therefore the Preamble does not assign powers to the federal government, nor does it provide limitations. Its is simply a guideline for what they hoped would be the most successful and righteous government on the planet.
The first article of the Preamble appoints a Congress, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives. It states outlines for the election of Representatives as well as the enumeration of represenatives. It also states that the house will pick its own speaker, and hold the sole power of impeachment. The first article continues pertaining to the Senate. It lays forth rules governing the election and duties of a senator. It calls for two senators to be elected from each state and then the senate to be divided into three sections. It appoints the Vice President as the President of the Senate, holding no vote unless they be equally divided. Section Four of the first article goes on to govern the elections of senators, giving the power to the state legislation. A mandated once a year meeting of congress is scheduled for the first Monday of December in section four as well.The fifth section of the first article governs the seperate housed in more general terms. It guidelines the expulsion of a member, meetings of the houses, and journal recordings. Section six pertains to the the compensation and liberties of Senators and Representatives. Section seven lays forth the process for which a bill becomes a law. It states that a bill will be raised in the House of Representatives, passed by the Senate and ultimately pass before the President of the United States for final judgement. The eighth section regards the passing of any bills that will increase taxes and collections only if needed to pay for federal debt. Section ten governs the rights of any state legislation to dishonor the constitution and its morals.
The second article of the Preamble is in complete regard to the President of the United States. Section One lays in detail the election process of the President as well as the qualifications an elect must possess and compensation of the President. The second section names the President Commander and Chief of the Army and Navy. The President is also granted the power to issue pardons within this section. This section also gives him power to sign treaties, appoint justices to the Supreme Court, and grant commisions to fill vacancies in the Senate. Section four of the second article portrays the convictions that may lead to impeachment. These convictions include treason, bribery, and other high crimes and misdemeanors.
The third article of the Preamble is in regard to the Judicial branch of government. It outlines the jurisdictions of the Supreme Court and all inferior courts. It defines treason and sets guidelines