Creating the Constitution

Definition

The process that took place in Philadelphia in 1787 where representatives from each state came together to create a new framework for government - The U.S. Constitution - which strengthened federal authority while still preserving state rights.

Analogy

Creating the Constitution is like building a house. You need strong foundations (the principles), walls to divide rooms (separation of powers), and an overall plan (the structure). Just as you'd want your house to be sturdy but adaptable over time, so too was our Constitution designed to be robust yet flexible through amendments.

Related terms

The Federalist Papers: A series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay promoting ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to U.S. Constitution guaranteeing individual liberties such as freedom speech, religion etc., added to ensure ratification by all states.

Checks and Balances: A system that allows each branch of government (executive, legislative, judicial) to amend or veto acts of another branch so as to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power.