To name a few broader concepts from the US constitution:
- Limited government (powers are clearly limited, often in a written document, and people grant the government the right to rule)
- popular sovereignty (idea that the people consent to government and government is subject to the people’s will)
- federalism (the system that divides power between central authority and constituent political units)
- separation of powers (the 3 branches: executive, legislative, judicial)
- checks and balances (the 3 branches excise limiting power on actions of one another in a manner to prevent tyranny)
The U.S. constitution has been considered the longest actively used Constitution in the world because it is a “living document”, meaning it can be updated. The main reason being that it can be amended (under certain circumstances). Another feature is it’s organization: Preamble (8-1), Articles (8-2), Amendments (8-3). The preamble summarizes the Constitutions purpose and US ideals; starts with “We the people.” The articles are divided into smaller sections where I=legislative branch, II=executive branch, and III=judicial branch. Then, the amendments are the total changes made to the document over time. Article V is for the process to pass new amendments. The bill of rights are the first 10. The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal, so Supreme Court decisions are important to the constitution.