Constitutional Foundations

Written in 1787 and ratified in 1788, the U.S. Constitution established the world’s longest surviving framework of government, built on the revolutionary idea that legitimate authority comes from the people. It organizes the federal government into three branches, guarantees personal freedoms, and divides power between federal and state governments to prevent tyranny.

The Foundation: Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

The Constitution divides power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches, each with tools to check the others. Congress makes laws, the President enforces them, and courts interpret them through judicial review. Presidential powers like tariffs and pardons face constitutional limits.

Federalism and State Powers

The Tenth Amendment reserves powers to states, sparking debates over marijuana and mandates.

Courts and Interpretation

The Supreme Court shapes meaning via doctrines like the Major Questions Doctrine, with decisions following set schedules.

Rights and Amendments

The Bill of Rights and amendments like the Ninth protect freedoms that evolve through interpretation.