The U.S. Constitution was drafted in Philadelphia from late May to mid-September 1787. The fifty-five delegates to the Constitutional Convention gathered to revise the Articles of Confederation but soon decided to write an entirely new document. These "Framers" were committed to forming a representative democracy, but their largely…

The article deals with reasons for formation, nature and specifics of the constitutionally legal policy of modern Russia. The special attention is spared to the exposure of the aim, long-term and short-term tasks, and principles of national constitutionally legal policy. The functions of constitutionally legal policy are separately considered:…

Provides a lesson plan designed to help students better understand the concept of a constitution, distinguish constitutional law from statutory law, and recognize examples of constitutional government. (BSR)

Reports findings of a survey suggesting that Edmonton, Alberta residents favor a referendum before any changes are made in Canada's constitution. Explains changes proposed by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Examines plans for House of Commons reform, aboriginal self-government, economic union for Canada, worker training, immigration, and other…

Judicial activism raises the question whether the people, through their elected representatives, should make decisions about social policy issues or whether these decisions will be made by appointed members of the federal judiciary. Through a series of judicial decisions, many basic social problems have become nationalized. Yet the U.S.…

This document presents the transcript of the September 18, 1980, oversight hearing of the Subcommittee on Elementary, Secondary, and Vocational Education of the House Committee on Education and Labor regarding section 431 of the General Education Provisions Act, which gives Congress the authority to disapprove U.S. Department of Education…

The constitutional mandate of separation of powers preserves liberty and slows the pace of political change. Defects in this system are discussed. Remedies for the defects must be found in the "unwritten constitution," comprised of customs and arrangements that allow the government to work. (PS)

The ABA Division for Public Education asked a panel of experts--Joyce Baugh, Mary Dudziak, Michael Gerhardt, Timothy Johnson, John Maltese, Mark Moller, Jason Roberts, Elliot Slotnick, and David Yalof--to respond to questions about the judicial nomination process. These questions touched on the balance between the president and the Senate, the…

One week after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Congress passed an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (The Authorization) that authorized the president--"... to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist…

The questions that observers of Congress have posed throughout U.S. history continue to confront citizens: how have the constitutional powers of Congress adapted to new conditions, and how has this affected Congress's relations with the other branches of government. Congress, in its constitutional design, is part of the remedy for the problems of…

This essay traces the history of the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment freedoms of assembly and petition--the "right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." These freedoms had their origins in English law and were included in a number of colonial and then state constitutions…

A collection of essays designed to provide educators and other interested individuals with contemporary perspectives on the U.S. Constitution and separation of powers is presented. Separation of powers refers to one of the enduring principles of the U.S. constitutional system of government, in which governmental powers are subject to a division of…

This bibliography focuses on the origins and development of the United States Constitution. This single bibliography is organized into two versions: (1) The Abbreviated Bibliography provides a long catalog of some major sources for a basic understanding of the events and ideas of the writing and ratification of the Constitution; and (2) the…

The contributions that George Washington and James Madison made to the creation of the United States Constitution are discussed. As host of the Mount Vernon Conference and president of the Philadelphia Convention, Washington brought to the growing movement for a new constitution great dignity and political stature. Washington's stamp of approval…

One of the basic principles of the Constitution--the separation of powers--and its contribution to the preservation and perpetuation of individual liberty is discussed. To renew public appreciation of the Constitution, our fundamental law and the philosophical foundation of our political order, is the most fitting bicentennial celebration U.S.…