United States’ Founding Influences

United States’ Founding Influences

The US Constitution and the Bill of Rights are fundamental to the US governance structures. Initially, the US was governed by the Articles of Confederation, but they proved ineffective. Some of the failures of the Articles of Confederation include conflicts between states, economic problems, and the inability to constitute a united army, among other weaknesses. The failure of the Articles of Confederation led to the formation of the US Constitution and subsequent Bill of Rights, which influenced US governance. Our assignment help will hone your writing prowess for papers that will awe your professors.

Three Branches of Governance

According to Vile (2008), the US Constitution led to the formation of three branches of government at state and federal levels- legislature, judiciary, and executive. The goal of subdividing the government into three levels was to introduce checks and balances and ensure none of the three branches was too powerful. Firstly, the executive comprises the president and cabinet secretaries. The executive branch is connected with federal agencies that implement and administer federal laws. On the other hand, the legislative branch, which comprises Congress and the Senate, makes laws later implemented by the executive branch of government. On the other hand, the judiciary interprets the law, but the judges are appointed by the president (executive) and confirmed by the legislature. The interconnection between the three arms of government ensures checks and balances, preventing excesses by any arms of government.

Founder’s Role in the Formation of the New Government

After the American Revolution, the Founding Fathers played a crucial role in forming the new government. One of the roles played by the founding fathers was the drafting of the new Constitution. Some key figures who drafted the new US Constitution include James Madison, George Washington, Hamilton Alexander, and others (Vile, 2008). The drafting of the new Constitution happened in the Philadelphia Constitutional Convention. Also, the founders played a key role in including the Bill of Rights in the US Constitution to protect individual liberties. Specifically, James Madison made a significant contribution to the incorporation of the Bill of Rights into the Constitution.

Political Philosophies

The Enlightenment political theory largely influenced the founders of the US. Although the Enlightenment version in the US was moderate compared to that of the US, it left a huge footprint in US politics and religion. For instance, Voltaire and Rousseau’s way of thinking contributed to the concept of separation of powers, which is still reflected in today’s US politics (Vile, 2008). Also, the philosophy bolstered individual liberties, such as the freedom of worship.

Moreover, classical liberalism advanced the concept of a limited government and private property protection. For instance, John Locke advanced the idea of social contracting. According to him, the government would derive its legitimacy from those it governed.

Important American Documents

After the American Revolution, vital documents were drafted to influence the new government. First were the Articles of Confederation, which served as the US Constitution between 1781 and 1789 (Vile, 2008). These articles created a weak central government with powerful state governments. They were replaced by the US Constitution in 1789. Besides, the Federalist papers drafted by James Madison and John Jay after the Constitutional Convention were vital (Bernstein, 2009). These papers largely explained the advantages of the new Constitution that was about to come into place.

Constitutional Provision of the New Government Structure

The US Constitution, ratified in 1787, provides the new government’s structure. First, the preamble of the Constitution provides the purpose and objective of the new Constitution. Some of the roles declared in the preamble include ensuring universal defense, protecting individual liberties, ensuring justice, and providing internal tranquility. Subsequently, Articles I, II, and III established the government’s legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Conclusion

In summary, after the American Revolution, the ratification of the US Constitution set the pace for a new system of governance. One of the new Constitution’s critical provisions was establishing the three arms of government with separate powers to ensure checks and balances. Also, the new Constitution bolstered the principle of social contracting, giving the electorate more power. The new Constitution also solidified individual liberties. These changes were influenced by social contracting and Enlightenment political philosophies.

References

Bernstein, R. B. (2009). The founding fathers reconsidered. Oxford University Press.

Vile, M. J. C. (2008). Politics in the USA. Routledge.

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United States’ Founding Influences

You are living in the United States shortly after the American Revolution and have received a letter from your friend who lives in France. This friend has asked you about the changes in your country and the new government that is being formed. She is particularly interested in your thoughts on the formation of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Write a 350- to 525-word response addressing some of the advantages and disadvantages of this new government.
In your response:

Discuss the way the country’s leadership is divided into separate branches of government.
Describe the Founders’ role in the formation of the new government.
Explain that time period’s political philosophies.
Discuss that time period’s important American documents.
Explain how the U.S. Constitution provides the new government’s structure.

You are encouraged to incorporate vocabulary terms from this week’s materials into your response.

Cite references to support your assignment.