Critical Thinking Assignment #2- US Constitution

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Critical Thinking Assignment #2

In 1787, the Founding Fathers drafted the US Constitution to run the federal government. Today, it serves as the nation's spine since, without it, the Law and Jurisdiction will disintegrate and fall apart, creating anarchy. The US Constitution comprises fundamental philosophies and regulations that outline the framework for law and order and explain the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches' roles. As envisioned by the Founders, the US Constitution states national ideals, formalizes government structure, establishes the government's legitimacy, and protects individual rights and liberties; this paper analyzes how it satisfies these mandates.

US Constitution as a States National Ideals

Supporting equality by illegalizing racism and other forms of prejudice is an example of how the US Constitution acts as a statement of national ideals. According to Roskin et al. (2016), after the Civil War, Congress amended the US Constitution thrice, abolished slavery in the 1865 Thirteenth Amendment, freed slaves in the 1868 Fourteenth Amendment, and allowed every race to vote in the 1870 Fifteenth Amendment. Bodenhamer (2018) explained that during this era, the US struggled to integrate the newly freed slaves in American society, creating a need for the Constitution to intervene and uphold equality as a constitutional provision. Therefore, the US Constitution granted full citizenship to former slaves and promised them equality under law provisions.

The US Constitution reinforces national ideals through stressing the message of patriotism, ensuring that Americans take pride in their nation. Harper (2016) acknowledged that the US Constitution encourages individuals to love their national institutions, customs, and other citizens. According to the First Amendment, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances” (US Const. amend. I). Therefore, the US Constitution fosters the spirit of patriotism by inspiring people to question, communicate, speak out, stop, and act to show allegiance to their country.

US Constitution Outlines the Structure of Government

The US Constitution explains the separation of powers between the different government arms, hence formalizing its structure. According to Bodenhamer (2018), the Constitution details that the federal government entails a simple system of three functional segments with specific jurisdictions and is limited by constitutionally approved checks and balances. Harper (2016) recognized judicial, legislative, and executive branches as the legal framework envisioned by the federal government's Founders. Together, through checks and balances, these segments function to offer a system of lawmaking and enforcement, separating powers to ensure no person or arm of government ever becomes dominant. For instance, Congress can pass laws; however, the president can override them; conversely, Congress can...