The United States Constitution serves as the supreme law of the land in America and was approved on September 17, 1787 at a Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It details federal government rights and obligations toward individual states as well as their citizens.
The US Constitution is an evolving document, amended 27 times since its adoption. It’s studied extensively at schools and universities alike; its principles pervade everyday life across America. But many Americans may be surprised to learn some surprising facts about it that may surprise them!
1. The Preamble of the US Constitution does not form part of its legally bind documents
The Preamble begins with “We the People,” providing an accessible explanation of its purpose and intent. It lays out why it was created, what its aim is and any legal authority behind its writing or use is irrelevant – simply adds to what has already been stated within.
2. Constitution Enshrines Electoral College
The United States is widely acknowledged as being a representative democracy, meaning citizens elect representatives who make decisions in their name. Presidential election is, however, determined by an unusual body called the Electoral College: 538 electors representing every state cast their ballots for president through this body; each elector is appointed by their political party that won popular support there and this body of 538 is set into place through Article V in our Constitution enshrining them therein as its method for selecting them as president.
3. The Constitution does not outline an exact number for Supreme Court justices.
The Constitution establishes the Supreme Court as the highest court in the US; however, its provisions don’t specify its composition; that decision falls to Congress which has altered this number multiple times over its history; currently there are nine justices sitting on its bench.
4. The Constitution does not mention God at all
Many Americans consider themselves Christian nations and this has informed much of our Constitution writing process; however, God doesn’t appear anywhere within its text – instead referring to something called “Creator” and “Nature’s God”, both terms that can be taken in various directions by readers.
5. The Constitution was intended to establish a minimal federal government.
The Constitution was devised as an answer to Articles of Confederation, which established an inadequate central government after the American Revolution. The new government needed to be strong enough to keep order and protect national interests without trampling individual liberty; accordingly, its checks and balances system ensures its three branches (Legislative, Executive and Judicial) have equal power within it.
6. The original Constitution did not include a Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights, or its first ten amendments to the Constitution, details basic civil liberties for American citizens – such as free speech and religious rights. It was added two years after original document ratification due to fears that governments might violate individual liberties and make laws which restrict these liberties.
7. Article V Convention is authorized under the Constitution to make changes to it.
The Constitution can be amended through either Congress passing an amendment with two-thirds majority, or calling an Article V Convention to propose amendments. While this latter method has never been utilized before, state legislatures could request one and bring two thirds of states together in calling such an event if two-thirds agree and then those amendments must be ratified by three-fourths.
8. The Constitution contains an impeachment procedure.
The Constitution establishes a process for removal of federal officials who commit serious offenses from office if their conduct causes irreparable harm to society or harm to themselves and to others. The House of Representatives can impeach officials, while the Senate provides for their trial; both can impeach proceedings; this may involve impeaching the president, judges and other officials from office as well.
9. The Constitution does not ensure voters the right to cast a vote
Many Americans incorrectly assume the Constitution ensures all citizens their right to vote; it doesn’t. For years only white male landowners could participate. Universal suffrage didn’t become possible until adoption of 15th, 19th and 26th Amendments.
10. Amending the US Constitution can be complex.
Constitution amendment has only occurred 27 times since 1789; however, its amendment remains an intricate process that involves two-thirds majorities votes from both houses of Congress or an Article V Convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures to become law. Furthermore, changes must be approved by three-fourths of states before becoming official law.
At its core, the US Constitution is an indispensable document that lays out the principles and values that underlie American democracy. Although amended numerous times since its conception in 1789, its influence still strongly shapes American society today. There are many fascinating details of its creation which reveal its complexity; therefore understanding this document is vital if citizens want to shape its future development as democratic nation-states.
