What Is The Purpose Of The United States Constitution?

United States Constitution Teaching Theme

Imagine a world where each man is a law unto himself, fearing no one and nothing, following only his personal motivations. Pure chaos, undoubtedly. Man reached this realization way before the dawn of civilization, when there were only groups of nomads roaming the face of the earth. They had basic standards on whom to follow, which usually depended on who's the strongest, and the rules to follow.

Later on, as man gained sophistication, so did the set of rules by which man abided by. It took on a more formal structure in that is now known as the constitution. Whatever form it takes though, constitution basically remains as a set of laws governing a country or an organization. It is essential to the harmonious co-existence of a group people as it defines the role of each citizen.

All countries pride itself with a constitution in varying forms, some more sophisticated than others. Whether highly sophisticated or not though, what is important is that it serves the purpose of maintaining peace and order amongst a people.

This is what the authors of the Constitution of the United States had in mind when they penned it. What IS The Purpose Of The United States Constitution? They wanted to achieve the utmost order possible in the kind of set up that they have. Obviously, a constitution that would achieve this tall order is necessary considering that the United States of America is the unification of 50 states that used to have their own sets of rules. The present Constitution clearly defines the duties as well as the powers of the three main branches of the government, namely, the President, the Congress, and the Supreme Court. Those not included under the three main branches were covered by the states.

However, before the Constitution of the United States, as it is today, there was what was officially called the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union. It was stated in the Articles of Confederation what the government's plans were as well as how the government should be run. It made Congress central in the handling of the issues pertaining to its territories, matters concerning diplomatic relations with Europe, and the American Revolution.

Although seemingly all-encompassing, many of the citizenry considered the Articles of Confederation lacking in strength. On the surface, this might answer the question, "What IS the purpose of the United States Constitution?" On a deeper level though, there were other factors that lead to the changes made on the Articles.

The former Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, for all intents and purposes, strove to uphold the dignity of the United States as a nation. However, that image was fast dissolving in the face of an ever increasing incapacity of the country to keep the pulse of its economy beating. Debts incurred by the country from other nations were piling, nearing the possibility of being unpaid. Soldiers commissioned in wars were under, if at all, compensated.

Dissatisfaction and unrest were mounting, and action had to be taken fast. So, various assemblies were made amongst leaders that were in the position to make amendments in the Articles. They had to seriously ask themselves the question, what IS the purpose of the United States Constitution, so that they may be able to effect the changes crucial to the improvement of the status of the country.

Several passes were made to adjust and improve the Constitution. By 17 September 1787, all adjustments and improvements were finalized. The Constitution of the United States has been amended.

A lot may ask, "What IS the purpose of the United States Constitution?" Well, looking at the United States now, one could say that the purpose is to make it what it is now - a first-world country with relatively smooth-running wheels of economy, backed up by a relatively efficient government with public servants who know their respective roles.