1.) The Articles of Confederation only granted Congress powers that were extremely limited and very weak in nature. There were no separate executive branch and no established judicial system, although they had the power to establish judicial panels and an executive committee with a rotating president, there were none in place to build a solid foundation for our country. There were no funds coming in, so the nation's debts were going unpaid, damaging their credit. Economic growth was stunted due to states taxing imports coming in from other states.
The Constitutional Convention of 1787, and the coming together of fifty-five delegates working together and debating different ideas made them realize that there were many compromises to be made in order to unify all of the states, so they went to work in order to create a structured national government, and came up with The Constitution of the United States. This was a much stronger and structured document because it created a three branch government, giving each of them their own separate and specific powers, and putting into place a checks and balances system for each branch of government to limit the other branches, so that one branch could not become more powerful than the others. They also gave authority to the people over their government, by having direct authority to choose who ran their government by allowing them to vote people into office. Certain tasks of government were even passed on to the state governments in order to prevent a concentration of power.
The Constitution created a much stronger government. If we did not operate under Constitutional law in this country today, I believe we would live in a very chaotic society. Our nation would be in economic ruin. The United States territory would probably be several different divided nations instead of one nation under one national government. We would not be protected by a strong military from our foreign enemies and the crime rates in this country would be out of control.
2.) Article I: In reading Article I of the Constitution, I was not aware that when Representatives and direct taxes were apportioned that Indians not taxed were excluded and that there was still a three-fifths rule of any kind still in effect. I was also unaware that if any bill was not returned by the president within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it is presented to him that it shall become law as if he had signed it, unless Congress by adjournment prevent its return, in which case it would not become law.
Article II: In reading Article II of the Constitution, I was not aware of the actual voting process of the electors regarding the presidential election.
Article III: In reading Article III of the Constitution, I did not know that the Supreme Court had jurisdiction over all matters in all cases affecting Ambassadors, Prime Ministers, and Consuls.
I also did not know that no person could be convicted of treason against the United States unless there was testimony from two people for the same act, or a confession in open court.
3.) The Marbury v. Madison (1803) Supreme Court decision was very important because it brought to the Supreme Court the power of judicial review. This landmark case gave the Supreme Court the ultimate say in interpreting the Constitution. It gave more power to the judicial branch in the checks and balances system, and allowed them more power when it comes to limiting the powers of the legislative and executive branches of the government, making sure that they stay within the guidelines of the Constitution.
4.) In looking at the United States government today, I feel it is more like what the Federalists envisioned. The Federalists were open to change and evolving this country based on issues as they arose. They realized that this country needed a structured government and they realized the importance of separating the powers of our government into separate branches, allowing each separate branch it's own specific powers, but at the same time, they realized the importance of separating the powers and adding a system of checks and balances so that each branch could monitor what the other branches were doing, and keep one branch from gaining too much power over the others. Their visions and ideas are still outlined in our Constitution, which shows their strength and durability, but at the same time our Constitution holds gateways to allow change when and where it is necessary.
Blog Comments:
Tim Tunkel
Brandi Lively
Amanda Strange
The Constitutional Convention of 1787, and the coming together of fifty-five delegates working together and debating different ideas made them realize that there were many compromises to be made in order to unify all of the states, so they went to work in order to create a structured national government, and came up with The Constitution of the United States. This was a much stronger and structured document because it created a three branch government, giving each of them their own separate and specific powers, and putting into place a checks and balances system for each branch of government to limit the other branches, so that one branch could not become more powerful than the others. They also gave authority to the people over their government, by having direct authority to choose who ran their government by allowing them to vote people into office. Certain tasks of government were even passed on to the state governments in order to prevent a concentration of power.
The Constitution created a much stronger government. If we did not operate under Constitutional law in this country today, I believe we would live in a very chaotic society. Our nation would be in economic ruin. The United States territory would probably be several different divided nations instead of one nation under one national government. We would not be protected by a strong military from our foreign enemies and the crime rates in this country would be out of control.
2.) Article I: In reading Article I of the Constitution, I was not aware that when Representatives and direct taxes were apportioned that Indians not taxed were excluded and that there was still a three-fifths rule of any kind still in effect. I was also unaware that if any bill was not returned by the president within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it is presented to him that it shall become law as if he had signed it, unless Congress by adjournment prevent its return, in which case it would not become law.
Article II: In reading Article II of the Constitution, I was not aware of the actual voting process of the electors regarding the presidential election.
Article III: In reading Article III of the Constitution, I did not know that the Supreme Court had jurisdiction over all matters in all cases affecting Ambassadors, Prime Ministers, and Consuls.
I also did not know that no person could be convicted of treason against the United States unless there was testimony from two people for the same act, or a confession in open court.
3.) The Marbury v. Madison (1803) Supreme Court decision was very important because it brought to the Supreme Court the power of judicial review. This landmark case gave the Supreme Court the ultimate say in interpreting the Constitution. It gave more power to the judicial branch in the checks and balances system, and allowed them more power when it comes to limiting the powers of the legislative and executive branches of the government, making sure that they stay within the guidelines of the Constitution.
4.) In looking at the United States government today, I feel it is more like what the Federalists envisioned. The Federalists were open to change and evolving this country based on issues as they arose. They realized that this country needed a structured government and they realized the importance of separating the powers of our government into separate branches, allowing each separate branch it's own specific powers, but at the same time, they realized the importance of separating the powers and adding a system of checks and balances so that each branch could monitor what the other branches were doing, and keep one branch from gaining too much power over the others. Their visions and ideas are still outlined in our Constitution, which shows their strength and durability, but at the same time our Constitution holds gateways to allow change when and where it is necessary.
Blog Comments:
Tim Tunkel
Brandi Lively
Amanda Strange
I totally agree with you, our government is exactly what federalist thought about our country. I also didnt know that the President only had 10 days to return a bill or it would be passed regardless of what he wanted, kind of wierd. I wouldn't think there was a deadline some matters take priority over others i thought.
ReplyDeleteThank you Albert for stopping by and commenting on my blog. It's always interesting to exchange thoughts and ideas with others in a positive way.
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