The United States Constitution and Legal System

The United States Constitution

Drafted in Philadelphia in the year 1787, the United States Constitution is the founding legal document of the U.S. government, ensuring the power of the three branches of government.  A preamble, seven articles and twenty-seven amendments make up the Constitution, and matters critical to the foundation of America such as the legislative branch of the government, the presidency, the court system, and the relationship between the federal government and state governments are discussed. 

Since the implementation of the Constitution, a number of amendments have been ratified to prevent the abuse of governmental powers and protect the rights of American citizens; the first ten amendments are known as the Bill of Rights.  The Bill of Rights guarantees important American values such as the freedom of speech, media and religion which we consider fundamental to the personal liberty of our citizens.  

Link:

http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/constitution.html

The United States Legal System

The Federal Legal System

In order to comprehend the U.S. legal system, one needs to keep in mind that there is a division between federal and state law due to the fact that the United States were founded as a union of thirteen colonies rather than one nation.  However, no state law can contradict the Constitution, and thus the Constitution possesses the authority as a supreme law.  According to this principle, individual states has own legal systems and laws in the areas not addressed in the Constitution.

Separation of Powers and Checks-and-Balance

In order to prevent the federal government from having too much power, the American government is divided into three main branches: legislative, judicial and executive.  This organization of government keeps one branch from becoming too powerful; thus the system contributes to protecting democracy, one of America’s core values, and avoids tyranny. 

Link:

http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/legalotln/

The Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of the United States is established by the Constitution while all other courts in the nation are instituted by Congress, and is vested with the ultimate judicial power of the United States.  Two fundamental functions of the Supreme Court are to determine if actions taken by the President and Congress conform to the Constitution and to hear all appeals including cases that have been heard by the highest court of a state.   The Court consists of nine justices who have been appointed by the President and approved by the Senate. 

Official Website

http://www.supremecourtus.gov/index.html