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"ALL MEN ARE CREATED FREE AND EQUAL"
"ALL MEN ARE CREATED FREE AND EQUAL"
OUTLINE OF AMERICAN CONSTITUTION
THE BRITISH CONSTITUTION
Colonial Charters
Sometimes called "constitutions." Under the influence of American customs and usages, tended to develop idea of liberty being vested in the people themselves.
October 14, 1774
Proclaimed consitutional rights of Americans as Englishmen, and denounced unconstitutional practices of English Government. American Constitution thereby began to take form.
July 6, 1775
Blood is drawn for the American Constitution.
July 2, 1776
The official act of Independence.
July 4, 1776 (Signed August 2, and after)
The Announcement, or advertisement to a "Candid World."
Denounced violations of (English) constitution.
Established three points:
1. Political separation. "United States of America" used officially for the first time.
2. Abolition of all noble ranks and titles—"all men are created equal." Set up democracy.
3. Merger of fundamental liberties of English constitution into American constitutional stream.
Denounced violations of (English) constitution.
Established three points:
1. Political separation. "United States of America" used officially for the first time.
2. Abolition of all noble ranks and titles—"all men are created equal." Set up democracy.
3. Merger of fundamental liberties of English constitution into American constitutional stream.
Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, March 1, 1781, our first written constitution for the union. Known as the "Foederal Constitution."
1. Definitely represented a forming nation. Congress received and sent ministers, executed treaties.
2. Merged inherited liberties into American Constitution, which were additional to this first written constitution, or form of government for the union.
3. Established right of travel anywhere in new nation.
1. Definitely represented a forming nation. Congress received and sent ministers, executed treaties.
2. Merged inherited liberties into American Constitution, which were additional to this first written constitution, or form of government for the union.
3. Established right of travel anywhere in new nation.
Written and Signed at
Philadelphia
1787
(Became operative Mr. 4, 1789)
Convention had been called to amend for "Commercial Purposes" the Articles of Confederation, the "Foederal Constitution."
Preamble of the new Constitution contained a declaration of intent to secure Liberty and to promote the General Welfare (showing purpose).
Habeas Corpus (Have the body, or freedom from being kept in jail arbitrarily without a chance to be heard in court).
But
Preamble of the new Constitution contained a declaration of intent to secure Liberty and to promote the General Welfare (showing purpose).
Habeas Corpus (Have the body, or freedom from being kept in jail arbitrarily without a chance to be heard in court).
But
Such omission, however, did not wipe out Inherited and Inalienable Rights of the Centuries.
First Ten Amendments
to the Constitution
Asserted and guaranteed liberties, such as freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly; but did not rescind inherited liberties already in effect.
Note: It must be understood that the Bill of Rights did not protect as against invasion by states and their subdivisions, and does not now.
XI Amendment, 1795
States Not to be Sued.
Reform Electoral Vote.
Louisiana Purchase, "unconstitutional," becomes constitutional by occupation of land. Florida. Mexican War; Texas and West. Oregon settlement with England.
CONSTITUTION CRACKS
LINCOLN'S EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION
In effect January 1, 1863. Slaves not freed by Proclamation, but principle established.
Slavery abolished. Popular principle of Emancipation Proclamation confirmed. (Georgia 27th state to ratify. Federal troops used to force adoption.)
Rights of persons to due process of law. Interpreted by Supreme Court to apply to corporations. [For a full discussion of the changing interpretation of this important amendment, see Chapter 25.]
No denial of the right to vote on account of "race, color, or previous condition of servitude."
Income Tax.
Popular Election of Senators.
Prohibition.
Woman Suffrage.
Lame Duck.
Prohibition Repeal.
POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY OF PEOPLE CHANGING, SUPREME COURT REVERSES ITSELF ON NUMEROUS POINTS. SOCIAL AND LABOR ADVANCE.
The Anvil of Public Opinion.
With these outlines in mind, let us get back to the beginning of our Constitution, across the seas in England.
With these outlines in mind, let us get back to the beginning of our Constitution, across the seas in England.
