Much Of American History Revolves Around The US Constitution

As a history major, you will take certain introductory courses that give you a solid foundation of the United States inception, formation, and history. Part of this study includes American Government. There are several elements you will be required to learn, but no other will be engraved in your brain as much as the Five Principles of the Constitution.

The framers of the Constitution did not want a government that was monarchy ruled. Instead, they set up a strong government that would keep power from falling into the hands of a privileged few. To achieve this balance, the government was divided into five basic principles: popular sovereignty, limited government, federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances.

The first of the five concerns the ruling of the people. The Constitution is all about the rights of its citizens According to this principle, the people hold the final authority in government. The Constitution is actually a contract between the government and the people; we grant the government enough power to do their job, but also limit their power by telling them what they cannot do.

In an attempt to create a balance between too much government and too little, limited government was enacted. According to this principle, the government has only the power given as outlined in the Constitution. It also outlines what power the national government does not have. The limits of the government are clearly documented in the Bill of Rights, which guarantees the government's inability to take away certain individual freedoms.

Federalism divided the government into to sections - federal and state. The federal government has the power to deal with national issues, while the states have the power to meet local needs. The Constitution does not list specific powers of the states, but instead it mandates all powers not specifically given to the federal government be reserved for the states. However, the Constitution is clear about the powers the state does not have.

Separation of powers was created so that no one person or groups abuse their power. Consequently, the national government was divided into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. Congress (legislative branch) is made up of two houses: the House of Representative and Senate; this body of government makes laws. The executive branch is headed by the President of the United States who carries out the law, while the Supreme Court, who interprets and clarifies laws, heads up the judicial branch.

Another means by which the framers ensured that power remains balanced at the national level was by setting up a checks and balance system. Through the principle of checks and balances, each branch of government controls the powers of the other two. For example, Congress has the authority to pass bills or propose laws, but the President has the influence to propose new bills or reject a bill. Supreme Court has the power to rule if a law is unconstitutional.

Although American history dates back beyond the creation of the United States and the Constitution, American Government is oftentimes seen as the start of the country. As an introductory course, American Government will cover an array of topics, but this is one of the few that carry a lot of weight and special meaning for Americans. Students who are pursuing an online education can also take this course as well as choose from other online college history classes