Framers Principles

Words: 434
Pages: 2
Open Document
The Framers of the Constitution of the United States of America showed both wisdom and forethought when establishing the five principles which form the foundation of the federal system of government. By studying the history of governmental systems and also anticipating potential future challenges, they were able to predict complications, and in response they set checks and balances in place in order to restrict the abuses of power. These five principles including: popular sovereignty, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and limited government when followed help to ensure the protection of each citizen's fundamental rights. Unfortunately, due to the refusal of some who hold positions of authority to follow the constitutional mandates, various serious, grievous injustices and abuses of power have occurred in recent years. The first principle, popular sovereignty, was a high priority for the Framers. The opening words …show more content…
Individual freedom was held as a higher standard than governmental control, and in fact, those who serve were intended to work for the people. In the six weeks that they spent drafting the Preamble and the Constitution, men from different political persuasions, socioeconomics and religions came together and spelled out their goals in writing. These goals, which ensured popular sovereignty were to be applied to all Americans, although it took some time before that was effectively accomplished; some might even argue that has not effectively happened yet. The first goal "to establish justice" was set to avoid problems similar to those they had faced in the past, including: religious persecution, taxation without representation, and lack of personal liberty ( ). Dealing with the residual effects of Shay's Rebellion and internal uprisings within the country, "insuring domestic tranquility" became the second goal
Show More

Related Documents: Framers Principles

The Three Branches Of Government

fundamental principles ensure the people's rights and a balance among the three branches of government. The Constitution is very much a living document. It is constantly being interpreted, discussed and debated. We still use it to govern things today that the Framers couldn't have possibly imagined, like internet safety laws and air transportation issues. The laws in the Constitution are very broad, making it easily adaptable to the constant change in our world. There are seven basic principles in the…

Words 751 - Pages 4

The Pros And Cons Of Constitutional Interpretation

The United States Constitution preludes, “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice…promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves…do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America”. The United States Constitution, a rhetorical masterpiece, even in its preamble contains a text that to this day is debated among the greats minds in the Judiciary. Questions emerge as to what is the meaning of…

Words 966 - Pages 4

Civics: United States Constitution Essay

The Founding Fathers of the United States wrote the Constitution in 1787. The Constitution is the “supreme law of the land.” The U.S. Constitution has lasted longer than any other country’s constitution. It establishes the basic principles of the United States government. The Constitution establishes a system of government called “representative democracy.” In a representative democracy, citizens choose representatives to make the laws. U.S. citizens also choose a president to lead the executive…

Words 379 - Pages 2

Principles and Articles of the United States Constitution Essay

Principles and Articles 1 Principles and Articles of the United States Constitution Grand Canyon University: POS-301 October 6, 2013 Principles and Articles 2 Principle Description Authority in Constitution Self-Government This is a democratic form of government whereby the people exert some form of control over the government of their country or state. The framers of the constitution fearing tyrannical rule by the majority in a direct democracy formed the U…

Words 1952 - Pages 8

Ap World History Dbq Analysis

Reformation, Studebaker) The revolutionizing England prioritized separation, and dismantlement of the absolute monarchs. During the 17th century revolution, philosophical minds, and the uproar for diplomatic changed, legitimized the motives of the framers in their eventual separation, and search for a sovereign, legitimate government. One philosopher, John Locke, provided the Glorious Revolution with legitimacy through his Treatises on Civil Government.(Topic 9 Legitimized, Studebaker) Lockean ideology…

Words 867 - Pages 4

Essay On Freedom Of Speech

"The Engaged Voice of the People A democracy is born where the government’s power is in the hands of the people. The Framers of the Constitution established the fundamental idea of a democracy. Freedom after freedom was constructed into the Bill of Rights. In particular, one freedom is the necessity for the function of our democratic nation. The right to privacy is more of a privilege than a right in this nation. America became a beacon of hope and restoration to ensure that people had a freedom…

Words 777 - Pages 4

Essay on Slavery in the United States and Constitution States

of the discord were found under Literature, Polemics, increasing Tariffs, but mainly the Principle of the Constitution on which the governmental power lies within the people. With the basis of this principle conflicting with the views of the north and south ultimately lead to the Civil War. The Principle of the Constitution states that the power of the government lies within the people. This exact principle was based on Popular Sovereignty, meaning that the legitimacy of a state is based and sustained…

Words 693 - Pages 3

Basic Concept Of Government In The Philippines

Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. •Between 1776 and 1777, most of the States adopted constitutions instead of charters Common Features of State Constitutions Popular Sovereignty The principle of popular sovereignty was the basis for every new State constitution. That principle says that government can exist and function only with the consent of the governed. The people hold power and the people are sovereign. Limited Government The concept of limited government was a major…

Words 1220 - Pages 5

United States Constitution and Political Parties Essay

compromise was voided after the Civil War amendments made slavery illegal and gave citizenship to Black Americans. Powers of the Legislative Branch  Enumerated Powers: Framers who wanted to limit the powers of Congress supported these powers. They laid out specific things Congress could and could not do.  General Powers: Framers who wanted to give more power to Congress supported these powers. They generally said Congress could pass any laws that were “necessary and proper.” This is known as the…

Words 762 - Pages 4

Essay on Constitution: Separation of Powers and Government

Thomas petersen Ratifying the Constitution I believe that the Constitution is needed because it sets the basic principles upon which the government will operate. It lays out six basic principles, which are, Popular Sovereignty, Limited Government, Checks and Balances, Separation of Powers, Judicial Review, and Federalism. Theses six principles will help define how our government works and how it betters our way of life. First is Popular Sovereignty. This means that all political power resides…

Words 673 - Pages 3