In creating the U.S. Constitution, the founding fathers knew that they had to create a document that addressed the problems of the past. Their experiences in the colonies and with the English monarchy influenced much of what became the Constitution of the United States. They wanted a document with rules and structure that would avoid the pitfall of governments past. Yet, due to the uncertainties of the future, the constitution that they were writing could not be static in its application. It is the combination of structure and adaptation that makes the U.S. Constitution a living document; one that has endured tests and trials to remain a viable means of ensuring a government "by the people and for the people" in our day.
Our government derives its authority from the citizenry. This authority is separated between three distinct branches of government: the exec
To ensure its durability, the framers included the ability to amend their document. This is best seen in the Bill of Rights and additional Amendments to the Constitution. The Amendments act as a historical record of the people's ability to make constitutional changes to satisfy social, economic, or political concerns.
utive, legislative, and judicial branches. Each branch has distinct functions and powers which provides a system of "checks and balances" over the other branches of government. These powers, some general but most specific, are enumerated in the Constitution. The Constitution, therefore, established a system with structure and rules. This system has many benefits and provides stability when unforeseen events affect our country.
The founders did realize that the ability to adapt or amend their document needed to be safeguarded. It takes a ma
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