The United States Constitution begins with the simple phrase “We the People”. Yet, with three simple words, the ideology it stands for has shaped the entire country (O’Connor et al., 2011). The short phrase signifies that the document, and thus, the government, is based upon the people themselves. The Constitution reflects the culture and ideologies of its citizens. Similarly, state constitutions reflect the people, albeit in a more specific locality. The key differences between the United States Constitution and that of local states are due to the distinctions between the scope and characteristics of the people they govern. There is much debate in political theory about the definition of a constitution. Generally, it is considered as a …show more content…
The states have taken an entirely different route. They have opted to create statutory constitutions, rather than follow the liberal one that the federal government follows. This means that these documents limit the powers of government, rather than empower them as the U.S. Constitution does. Hence, their constitutions are far more extensive, detailing each aspect of the local government (O’Connor et al., 2011). More than simply the longevity and length of the constitutions, much of their content also differs from one another. Both essentially present the people’s basic rights and define the scope and structure of the government. However, direct democracy plays a greater role amongst the states (Morris, Henson, & Fackler, 2011). Thus, as expected, their constitutions and governments are designed to function well in the region. One of perhaps its biggest advantages is its ability to represent the minorities. African Americans, Hispanics, and women all have more powerful voices amongst these local governments than they do on a national level (Blanda, 2010). Adding to its length, state constitutions have had far more amendments than the U.S. Constitution. Over 222 years, the federal constitution has only had 27 amendments.
The government of the states will secure all rights of independent sovereignty to each, and provide the interest and safety of all individuals entering into society, must also give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest. Difficulty was encreased by a difference among several states due to their condition, magnitude, and precise
Constitution ~ a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed.
In the United States, each of the fifty states has its own states constitution, which contains the same basic provisions as the United States Constitution; however, states constitution is generally more detailed than the national constitution.In the United States, each of the fifty states has its own states constitution, which contains the same basic provisions as the United States Constitution; however, states constitution is generally more detailed than the national constitution.In the United States, each of the fifty states has its own states constitution, which contains the same basic provisions as the United States Constitution; however, states constitution is generally more detailed than the national constitution.In the United States,
If there were too many differences, then the branches of government would be very chaotic because a lack of structure between the state and federal government. In the United States Constitution and Nevada constitution it outlines three structures of the government. They are both setup in the same and is broken into three different parts, The Legislature Department, The Executive Department and The Judiciary Department. In addition, both constitutions are broken up into articles and each article explains a general topic, but most important they both state in the preamble “We the People...” (THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF NEVADA). This quote is significant because when the constitution is brought up, it is always the document of the people and the rights of the people. So it is important that no matter what, both constitutions had this quote within them. The United States Constitution and Nevada constitution don’t have significant differences because it reduces redundancy. The government for the citizens of Nevada is ran and structured the way they are today because of these two important
Generally speaking, State constitutions perform different functions (generally limit plenary powers rather than grant enumerated powers), have different origins (from the people
A constitution is the system of fundamental principles according to which a nation is governed. Our founding fathers created the US Constitution to
The federal government and state governments have had a long history of powers struggles. The struggle goes back and forth between who has the right to make decisions and if there is a problem who should fix it. Sometimes it is better for the federal government to fix issues and during other situations it is better for the state or local governments to fix other issues. In the PBS special of the United States Constitution, Peter Sagal travels around the states documenting the various roles and impact the government has on the country as a whole and on the individual states.
The Framers of the United States Constitution ultimately decided to give more power to the Federal government rather than the state governments for many reasons. There were many problems with the articles that caused instability in the government, and even a rebellion. Then there’s the Federal government who lacked powers to do anything much because the people were too scared to make the Federal government strong. Lastly, there was the State government who had either too much power or they had power that the Federal government should have. There were a lot of problems with the Articles that needed to be addressed , most of which were addressed.
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 mankind's first steps into the frontier of outer space, a single document has stood as the defining feature of our nation's 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 society's slow progression, is undoubtedly one of history's most significant and substantive texts. Just as it did during the uncertain years following our forefather's 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 democracies, 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 Constitution's 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.
In his book, “The Liberty Amendments” Mark Levin argues well on how the slow creep of federal power in the United States has slowly disenfranchised the local government under the guise of propagating and deifying a ‘national government approved’ form of democracy. The people received a message of nationalism, and personal power while at the same time receiving a watered down version of what the founding fathers had originally intended.
The United States Constitution is the very foundation that the nation has been built upon, but its birth was not easy. The framers of the Constitution divided over many key issues relating to it and often argued at length over the creation, ratification, and implementation of this imperative document. Since the Constitution came into being it has been the epicenter of Civil Rights reforms, questions of state sovereignty versus national supremacy, and recently it has been looked to for questions about universal healthcare and what may or may not constitute a marriage. Currently the oldest “living” Constitution in the world; interpreting the United States
In my humble opinion, State Constitutions should differ from the United States Constitution, as it gives a deeper sense of independence and corresponds to the needs of that particular state. The Declaration of Independence is a prime example of independence, as though I concur that each state is to be shadowed by the United States Constitution. You cannot anticipate what benefits a society within a state that borders the ocean will be beneficial to a state surrounded by mountains, as common sense allows us to determine the economic and geological demands will differ to a degree as well as people's beliefs. Some people are vegetarians and others are avid hunters, and the scope is really too broad to categorize this volume of diversity under one constitution. From religion to what makes an economy function, one constitution cannot "blanket" an entire nation and everything run like clockwork.
Federalism was an inevitable and paramount mechanism to creation the of the Union. Therefore, it is acceptable that its governing principles would define and refine a majority of the nation’s history. Shaping the government, laws, and politics of the current and future generations during the creation of the Constitution, federalism permanently altered the life of every American. Federalism and the Constitution were derived from a similar ideal: endurance of free society had to be preserved by a sense of unity that acted as a safeguard against prevalent dangers, advanced the common good while still maintaining responsiveness to the diversity of the nation (Wechsler, 1954). The Constitution established a central government that possessed the capacity to interpret its
Certain interests do not change over time in our society. Over 200 years ago, the prominent concern that led to the framing of the Constitution regarded the establishment of a government that was “for the people and by the people.” The framers of the Constitution, with concern of an over powering central government in mind, provided a basis for the structure of the federal government of the United States. The powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government are laid out strategically in a way that no one branch can have more power than the other. The national concern of maintaining a legitimate government has not shifted since the initial days of the framers. Although the capacity of the government has grown over time, the system of checks and balances that was adapted in the framing of the Constitution allows for the structure and powers of the federal government to remain in order today. Other than providing a structural map for how the government will operate, however, the additional aspects of the Constitution fail to administer practical framework for addressing 21st century interests. This document was written over 200 years ago and it has not been altered substantially since then (Lazare). While certain Amendments have been added to assist the Constitution in staying relevant, such as the abolishment of slavery and the addition of women’s right to vote, there has been practically nothing added to help in applying the framers’ intentions
Any nationwide endeavor across the world over is always faced with a myriad of challenges when one factor in, the interest of different individuals or groups. During the early years of the USA, there were many problems that politicians at the time faced when trying to create and strengthen the country’s Constitution. In the early 1780’s the young country was in a deep depression, and this played a key role in influencing the exercise as it ultimately led to a heated debate about the powers of the National and State governments. Most of the conservative politicians at the time preferred a stronger federal government while state radicals believed that states should have more power since it was in a better position to determine what was best for their citizens (Jilson, 2009). More sticking points divided the founding fathers which threatened the stability and establishment of the USA, such as slavery and federalism.