Constitutional Amendments and the American Union - 2112 Words

Throughout more than two centuries of the grand experiment in democracy known as the American union, a time marked by the rise and fall of empires, the technological transition from plough horse to combustion engine, and even mankinds first steps into the frontier of outer space, a single document has stood as the defining feature of our nations ideals and purpose. The Constitution of the United States, including the Bill of Rights which grants every citizen certain unassailable liberties, and the subsequent amendments made to reflect societys slow progression, is undoubtedly one of historys most significant and substantive texts. Just as it did during the uncertain years following our forefathers successful revolution, today the Constitution establishes societal boundaries and provides structure to the uniquely uninhibited way that American lives are led. Epitomizing the values of a true charter of supreme law, the U.S. Constitution has since become the model for other emerging demo cracies, as countries such as Mexico and the Philippines have adopted similar measures within their own national charters. Indeed, during the 1987 bicentennial celebration of the Constitutions first signing, TIME Magazine reported that of the 170 countries that exist today, more than 160 have written charters modeled directly or indirectly on the U.S. version (Liptak, 2012), illustrating the extensive influence this essential document has exerted on global affairs. Known as theShow MoreRelated 14th Amendment -EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW Essay939 Words   |  4 Pagesperfect union and justice for all. America would have to amend, or add to, the Constitution in order to serve its constituents better. The most powerful constitutional act towards equality would come with the fourteenth amendment. This amendment permanently changed constitutional law by empowering the Federal government’s jurisdiction to include local and state governments which would be required to abide by n ew standards of civil rights and privileges. In 1791, the states ratified ten amendments toRead MoreReconstruction Of The Civil War1054 Words   |  5 Pagessouthern states took place during the reconstruction that proved their victory was the organization and formation of government, being reunited in the union, and acquiring constitutional and legal status of African Americans. In 1863 Lincoln’s Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction plan was created for a rapid forgiving restoration of a broken union therefore granting Southern states political power, create new constitutions, organize new government, and create new legislatures within each stateRead More1860-1877 Revolution Due to Social Developments1383 Words   |  6 PagesThroughout American history, many have worked to make constitutional and social equality for all Americans, slave and free, black and white. Between 1860 and 1877, America had gone through civil war and reconstruction, from destructive to constructive. Hence, there had been many factors that attributed to constitutional and social developments in America history, but the main reasons for the change could attribute to the economic rivalry between the industrial North and the agriculturalRead MoreEssay on Social and Constitutional Development in America (1860-1877)748 Words   |  3 PagesAPUSH – 1st January 13, 2011 1996 DBQ: Social and Constitutional Development in America (1860-1877) During the post-civil war era, America, specifically the south, was undergoing a period of reconstruction. The general goal of reconstruction was to successfully readmit the former Confederacy back into the Union as smoothly as possible, as well as enacting specific safeguards of freedmen’s liberties. The social and constitutional developments in America between 1860 and 1877 were veryRead MoreEssay on Same-Sex Marriage Should Be Legalized1238 Words   |  5 Pagessex relationships. These citizens reside in 99.3 percent of the counties across the nation and it is estimated that between 1 and 9 million children are being raised by gay, bisexual or lesbian parents (Human Rights Campaign). These individuals are American citizens protected by the United States Constitution. Article 14.1 of the United States Constitution entitles all citizens equal protection under the law and forbids states from enacting laws which deny citizens’ rights. Denying same-sex couplesRead MoreThe Civil War And Reconstruction977 Words   |  4 Pagesfor African-Americans. There was a long period of politicization for incorporating free African-Americans into white society. Reconstruction also revolutionized the preconceived notion that the states had autonomous power. The Civil War and Reconstruction were revolutionary in nature because slavery was abolished and replaced with freedom. During Reconstruction, the Republican controlled Congress created revolutionary legislation and amendments. The most famous revolutionary amendments were the 13thRead MoreCitizens Unite v FEC and its Repercussions Essay1040 Words   |  5 PagesThis ruling affects all Americans their life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. President Barack Obama had this to say about the ruling: The Supreme Court has given a green light to a new stampede of special interest money in our politics. It is a major victory for big oil, Wall Street banks, health insurance companies and the other powerful interests that marshal their power every day in Washington to drown out the voices of everyday Americans....while undermining theRead MoreReconstruction Is The Effort Made In The United States1566 Words   |  7 PagesReconstruction is the effort made in the United States to restructure the political, legal, and economic systems in the states seceded from the Union. The Reconstruction Era last between the years of 1865-1877. The Civil War caused destruction and several deaths throughout the South in 1865. This struggle was compensated by radical Republicans who felt that they were in control of Southerners by punishing them for wanting to preserve their southern tradition. How would the North and the South comeRead MoreGOVT 2107 exam and final exam questi ons Essay examples1345 Words   |  6 PagesFeedback: The correct answer is: D) No, because they feared that the majority would make policy decisions that would silence the minority. #2 Why did the American colonists oppose the taxes imposed by the British after 1763? Select one: a. The Americans wanted to print their own stamps. b. The Americans were unhappy because no Americans participated in the legislative body that enacted the taxes c. The taxes were encouraging slaves to escape from the South to the North. d. The taxes wereRead More A Guard on Religious Freedom Essay765 Words   |  4 Pagesseparation of church and state. The first amendment grants all Americans the freedom to subscribe to any religion they wish and promises that the government will not promote any religion above any other. Although the separation of church and state and the freedom of religion are firmly and concretely secured in the Constitution of the United States, events in the recent past bring to question whether this ideal is under threat of losing its place as an American standard. A recent controversy that brings