...United States Constitution and The State of the Death Penalty in the US As of April 1, 2008, the Death Penalty was authorized by 37 states, the Federal Government, and the U. S. Military. Those jurisdictions without the Death Penalty include 13 states and the District of Columbia. (Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin). Premeditated and cold-blooded killing of a human being by the state it violates the right to life as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the right to be free from cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. Over two-thirds of the countries in the world 141 have now abolished the death penalty in law or practice. In the U. S., 17 states have put an end to state-sanctioned killing. Dakota Territory established the death penalty in 1865. The penalty was carried into North Dakota law at statehood. In 1915, the penalty was restricted to persons convicted of committing a first-degree murder while already under a life sentence for first-degree murder. The death penalty was abolished when North Dakota's new criminal code became effective, July 1, 1975. According to historian Frank E. Vyzralek, only one legal execution took place in the northern half of Dakota Territory in Grand Forks in 1885. Seven legal executions took place after statehood. The last one John Rooney in 1905 was the first to take place inside the prison walls at Bismarck. Previous...
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...Assess the US Constitution The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the USA. The Constitution, originally comprising seven articles, delineates the national frame of government. Its first three articles entrench the doctrine of the separation of powers, whereby the federal government is divided into three branches: the legislative, consisting of the bicameral Congress; the executive, consisting of the President; and the judiciary, consisting of the Supreme Court and other federal courts. Since the Constitution came into force in 1789, it has been amended twenty-seven times. In general, the first ten amendments, known collectively as the Bill of Rights, offer specific protections of individual liberty and justice and place restrictions on the powers of government. The majority of the seventeen later amendments expand individual civil rights. At seven articles and twenty-seven amendments, it is the shortest written constitution in force. The Constitution of the United States was the first constitution of its kind, and has influenced the constitutions of other nations. However, it has many flaws, firstly the amendment process is too difficult, thereby making it near impossible to change it. Secondly the power of judicial review gives the unelected unaccountable Supreme Court too much power. Thirdly the constitution leads to gridlock and finally some parts make no sense in modern society and don’t work as the Framers intended. Nevertheless there are positives; primarily...
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...HIS/115 US HISTORY TO 1865 Professor David Glauber Concerlo Cuthbertson University of Phoenix How the Constitution addressed the complaints in the Declaration of Independence: The United States Constitution was established to help set-up the first form of government, in the year 1787, and the Bill of Rights was later added in the year 1791. The Constitution was established for the common good of all people. The Constitution and Amendments were written to fix the problems stated in the Declaration of Independence which was written in the year 1776. The United States Constitution reflects and supports the idea of the Declaration of Independence. Many different problems from the Declaration of Independence needed to be fixed through the Constitution.”He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good”. (Declaration of Independence) The King of Great Britain refused to set laws for the common good of all people. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government. So according to the first amendment, the people’s common good is protected by Congress. There were several economic...
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...Iroquois constitution was written years before the US. Constitution. It is older than the document itself and its amendments. Many believe our constitution incorporated many ideas of democratic government from the Iroquois constitution because of the various similarities found in both documents, such as the basic structure of the documents, designation of a person in charge, the power of veto, impeachment and the division of government. There is also historical evidence that some of the founding fathers were in direct contact with the Iroquois people. Freedom of speech, religion and press have been controversial issues for many years. That is why a preamble was part of both constitutions. The inclusion of a preamble is vital in both documents. The Iroquois used symbolism,” Five bound arrows symbolize our complete union. ... We have tied ourselves together in one head, body, one spirit and one soul to settle all matters as one” both preambles highlight the importance of unity and liberty. Antifederalists were concerned with protecting individual’s rights and fought for the inclusion of a Bill of rights to our constitution. That is why our constitution reads; “We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America...
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...All of the many people who suggested their ideas for the Constitution, got them by thoroughly studying other governments and places. The United States now runs by an indirect democracy. All in which was took bits and pieces from many other governments. The major influences on the making of the United States Constitution were ancient civilizations, the British government, and the Enlightenment. One of the many influences on the US Constitution was ancient civilizations governments that were studied extensively by the framers. Ancient Rome consisted of a strong representative type of government, a republic. The Roman Republic consisted of different types of governments, or a mixed government. Their republic included elements of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy. The government worked in which a way where the decision were based off of the need of the people. In this type of government citizens were able to vote for congressmen and representatives. Likewise, the Constitution illustrates a republican form of government. In the United States, people elect senators, members of the house, and have some say in who the President shall be. Under British rule, the Americans were involved in a monarchy. The colonist...
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...Amendments Paper HIS/301 United States Constitution January 26, 2012 The US Constitution is a living document which was designed to be ratified when needed due to a changing society, or unfair legal practices that overstep human and or civil rights. Article Five of the Constitution made way for amendments such as the Bill of Rights, amendments thirteen through fifteen, among so many others that have made the United States the place it is today. An amendment to the Constitution is a change that can be added to the Constitution or a change to an older part. Amendments are necessary due to changing a society and or some parts of government over steps its boundaries, unless prohibited by the Constitution the overstepping could happen again. There are two ways to amend the Constitution, The first being to get a bill passed by both the house and the senate with at two thirds majority in each. If passed it then has to go to the states. The second way which has never been used is for a constitutional convention to be called by two thirds of the legislatures of the States, and then the amendment has to be sent to the States with approval from three fourths of convention or legislatures. This process was put into the constitution by the framers. According to the “US Constitution” (The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the...
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...11 August 2013 The U.S.S Constitution The U.S.S Constitution is the oldest commissioned ship in the United States Navy today. The U.S.S Constitution enjoys a rich history forged in battle. From the time it was commissioned the Constitution has become deeply ingrained in our American history. The battle of 1812 earned the U.S.S Constitution the nick name old Iron Sides. Today The U.S.S Constitution stands as an iconic image of American history. In the latter part of the 1700’s, United States merchant ships were being attacked by the Barbary pirates. Their crew and cargo were held for ransom. This forced the United States to write the Naval act of 1794. This act called for the construction of twenty-two vessels to be built. The stipulation was the construction would be halted if the Barbary Pirates ceased attacking United States merchant vessels. For a short period of time they did so. However President George Washington insisted on the continuation of construction of these vessels. The United States Constitution had it’s maiden voyage and was ordered to protect merchant ships in a quasi-war with France. The U.S.S Constitution has been involved in many major conflicts in a variety of capacities. During the Battle of Tripoli Harbor the Constitution served as gun support vessel. The squadron of newly commissioned ships defeated the Tripoline ships. On June third a peace treaty with Tripoli was forged on the deck of the U.S.S Constitution and finalized on August of...
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...The US Constitution is a living document which was designed to be ratified when needed due to a changing society, or unfair legal practices that overstep human and or civil rights. Article Five of the Constitution made way for amendments such as the Bill of Rights, amendments thirteen through fifteen, among so many others that have made the United States the place it is today. An amendment to the Constitution is a change that can be added to the Constitution or a change to an older part. Amendments are necessary due to changing a society and or some parts of government over steps its boundaries, unless prohibited by the Constitution the overstepping could happen again. There are two ways to amend the Constitution, The first being to get a bill passed by both the house and the senate with at two thirds majority in each. If passed it then has to go to the states. The second way which has never been used is for a constitutional convention to be called by two thirds of the legislatures of the States, and then the amendment has to be sent to the States with approval from three fourths of convention or legislatures. This process was put into the constitution by the framers. According to the “US Constitution” (The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either...
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...Johnson, Daniel English 104 Summa Paper Mr. Nathanial Schmidt 10/17/13 The Constitution of the United States marked the start of a new form of government for the newly freed colonies. It established a system of government in which the US has had for over two hundred years. The Framers of the Constitution wrote it to “establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity…” It was created to protect the citizens of the United States and our freedoms. The Constitution is what sets the US apart from many other countries. The Articles of Confederation, Bill of Rights, and Constitution are arguably the most important documents in United States History. They were the documents that put in place the first government of the United States of America. Although written over two hundred years ago, the Constitution is timeless in the ideas and principles that it promotes. As of late, the relevancy of the Constitution to today’s society has been called into question, more specifically our second amendment. Does the Constitution of the United States with the inclusion of our second amendment right continue to insure domestic tranquility? The United States Constitution, including the second amendment, is a healthy document, which still serves our nation exceptionally well and continues to insure domestic tranquility. The evolution of society and recent events may...
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...The Constitutional Convention was an important event because it is what lead us to the government we have now. The different compromises are what lead to the methods that were used and still being used nowadays The Constitutional Convention was a meeting that took place in Philadelphia in 1787. The purpose of that meeting was to rewrite the Articles of Confederation. There were fifty five men who were delegates, their purpose was to have the federal government strengthen. The delegates did not think that rewriting the Articles of Confederation would actually work out. Eventually they wrote the U.S. Constitution. George Washington was chosen to lead the convention. All of the delegates had to agree that every state would get one vote. They did not want anyone to know about what was going on during the convention meetings. The delegates made sure to keep everything a secret, anyone who was not a delegate were not allowed to attend any meetings. We have no written documents because they kept everything a secret of what had occurred during the meetings. The only details we have today is from a notebook that belonged to James Madison. However, James Madison is known as the “Father of the Constitution.” He had also helped write the federalist papers. At the Constitutional Convention James Madison had done a very good job. When the delegates had to decided to write the “Bill of Rights” he was against it. James Madison was afraid that the future people would just go by those...
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...a scripted arrangement, which was approved by the thirteen original states of the United States. The Article of Confederation contains procedures as to how the United States government was thought to operate. The Article of Confederation is sometimes called Articles; it was created in November 1777 and approved by thirteen original states in March 1781 (Cheek, 2016). The Founding Fathers of the United States subjected a severe criticism a few years after the approval of The Article of Confederation. This led to a decision for the Article of Confederation to be altered to satisfy the nation. The delegates from the thirteen states met in Philadelphia in May 1787 to review the Article of Confederation. In concluding, the delegation members made a common decision that reworking the whole Constitution was better than reviewing the current Article of Confederation (Cheek, 2016). The United States Constitution is reflected to be the supreme law in the United States of America today. It specifies the standards for the association of the United States government. The foundation of the new constitution was created because of the several complications with the Articles. The...
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...civil war and the inception of the US constitution played a critical and pivotal role in the reconstruction of the modern US society. From these events, it was possible for the United States to become a single state and a unified nation, which finally ended slavery and thus expanded the applicable ideals that led to the declaration of independence. Historians argue that the civil war remains to be a critical event in the United States history; this is because this war was able to end the animosity caused by the inevitable climax of conflicts and sectional tensions. This paper will discuss the evolution of the modern US society from the inception of the constitution through the civil war and reconstruction. United States constitution remains to be the oldest constitution in the world and since its inception in 1787; it has played a critical role in the development of the modern US society (Sammis, 1997). Historians argue that the United States constitution has helped in providing a remarkable degree of political stability in the US, a country known for its social diversity. According to law experts, since the inception of the US constitution it has been possible to silence matters that seem to be sensitive in regards to the modern way of living. Moreover, the US constitution enabled the sanctions of the slavery, which remained to be the cause of the animosity before the civil war. On the other hand, before the US civil war, the then US President Abraham Lincoln had began...
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...The Constitution of the United States of America is perhaps the most valued and important document in our country. The Constitution of the United States was written more than 200 years ago and is still the strongest document in this country. The Constitution in my own words is the rules established long time ago by the first fathers of our country. Personally, it was a great move for the politicians who wrote the Constitution and tried to enforce the new regulations and bring freedom to the country while at the same time equality. This document cannot be changed easily since the changes affect the way everyone in the country. In Article V of the Constitution, tells how to adopt new amendments. Amendments can be proposed by 2/3 vote by the house of Congress. Then the amendments must be approved by ¾ the states, and by ¾ of the state legislatures. This amendment process is usually the first way we think to change the Constitution but it is actually uncommon, because this process takes long time and complicated. The Constitution of the United States allows its citizen the basic freedom of human beings and does not infringe on one’s individuality. It also protects its people economically, politically, socially, and religiously. Compared to the Constitution of United States, California Constitution contains pretty long and includes detailed contents. As of 1990, all legislators in California are limited to serving two terms Both United States and Californian Constitution have...
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...children when we make a mistake the law is our parents for example if we steal our parents will punish us whether it be a spanking, standing in the corner, or some other type of punishment. As we become older and gather more liable for our actions our parents may still enforce some punishment and type of law but so will the state we live in. The state that you live also faces something higher and that is the federal government. Overall from the time we take our first step until we die, the ultimate decision maker of the land is the United States Constitution. The United States Constitution is the supreme power of the land. The document which contains some of the oldest laws of the United States was written on September 17, 1787. In the Constitution it contains the rights that each and every citizen of the United States of America are given. In the constitution it also stipulates how the federal and state government is run. In the document there are seven articles that each limits and keeps the government in check. In article one there are ten sections. The article states that congress shall contain a senate and a house of representatives. It also specifies the age, and requirements to become a senator and a representative. The article also stipulates how the bills may start in house but if about raising money must start in the House of Representatives (The Constitution). In article two there are four sections. In the article it stipulates some of the major duties of the...
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...Basic principles and rules to which a state or regions governed is known as constitution. When these principles, rules and legal documents written down into a single comprehensive document, it is said to be a codified constitution. Constitutions are formulated in order to grant power to the government, so as the Government protect the natural rights of life, liberty, union, establishment of justice, defense and welfare of nation. However, in this essay we will discuss what the constitution says about; The Presidency, Judiciary, Commerce, Slavery and States Rights. A. The Presidency According to US Constitution, President shall have executive power is collective, administration and governmental affairs of states. The president shall hold...
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