Constitution Basics

TCI Lesson 9 Introduction

The Constitution: A More Perfect Union

How has the Constitution created “a more perfect Union”?

When the delegates left Independence Hall in September 1787, they each carried a copy of the Constitution.  Their task now was to convince their states to approve the document that they had worked so hard to write.

Multiple Choice

The Constitution went into effect as soon as the delegates left the convention?

• True

• False

Most of all, the framers wanted to create a central government that would be strong and lasting but not so strong that it endangered citizens' freedoms.  Although writing the Constitution required many compromises, the delegates were able to meet these goals.

The delegates wanted ordinary citizens to understand and support the Constitution, so they organized its contents very clearly.   After a short introduction, they divided the Constitution into parts called articles. Then they split each article into numbered sections that present topics in a careful order.

This structure can help you find information in the Constitution.  For instance, the first section in the article on the president describes how the president is chosen.

The second section lists the president's powers.

 The third section lists presidential duties.

And the fourth explains how the president can be removed from office.

One of the marvels of the Constitution is the way it combines flexibility with a strong framework for the government.   In general, the delegates allowed Congress, the president, and the courts to add details to the basic framework.  They also included procedures for changing the Constitution.

This combination of strength and flexibility makes the Constitution an enduring document.  The Constitution keeps its basic nature, yet the framers created it so it could also change with the times.  In this lesson, you will learn more about the enduring quality of this  ingenious  document.