Hello Friends, Today I am going to explain to you the constitution of the US. So, let’s see…
- Written Constitution – It is the oldest, briefest written constitution in the world. It consists of a preamble & 7 Articles running into 4000 words with 10 to 12 pages to be read within half an hour. It has also unwritten elements like conventions.
- Rigid Constitution – It is one of the most rigid constitutions in the world which means that for amending it, a special and difficult procedure has to be followed. It consists of 2 steps; Proposal for Amendment: Either two-thirds of both the houses shall propose an amendment to the constitution or on the application of legislatures of two-thirds states shall call a convention for proposing the amendment. Ratification of the proposal: The amendment shall be ratified by the legislatures of three fourth of all states or by the convention of three fourth of states.
- Popular Sovereignty – Popular sovereignty means that the people are the ultimate source of the government and the government owes its authority to the people.
- Bicameral Legislature – The constitution of the USA provides for a bicameral legislature with two houses in the center. According to Article 1, All legislative powers are vested in congress.
- Separation of Powers – The doctrine of separation of powers divides power between the three pillars/institutions of government to prevent interference of one institution in the affairs of another. The powers are divided among the judiciary.
- Checks & Balances – The system of checks and balances laid down by the separation of powers prevents misuse of powers. The powers are provided in such a way that it provides a check upon other institutions.
- Federal System – The U.S constitution provides for a federal system of government which means that powers are divided among the center/ federal government and the states. According to Article 1, the federal government has jurisdiction over 18 matters and residuary powers are vested in states. States are autonomous bodies and the centers cannot meddle in their affairs.
- Presidential System – The constitution provides for a presidential form of government. Article 2 provides the powers, elections, and matters related to the president. President is elected for a term of 4 years and is not answerable to congress but cannot dissolve.
- Republicanism – The constitution calls for a republican system with the president as elected head of the state. The constitution derives its authority from the people and is supreme law of the land.
- Bill of Rights – The first ten amendments to the constitution are called the ” Bill of Rights”.
- Dual citizenship – The constitution provides for dual citizenship.
- System of spoils – When a president is elected, he does the appointment of public offices. Id in elections, a president elected is of the opposition party, he dismisses the public office bearers and makes fresh appointments.