New Delhi: Most countries in the world have a Constitution; not all countries that are democratic need to have a Constitution. A constitution can be created for several reasons. It provides a basic set of rules for coordinating members of society and specifies who has the power to make decisions.
A Constitution can determine how the government will be formed and allows for coordination and assurance. Additionally, it can limit the government’s powers. As the US celebrates its Constitution Day, let us look at some facts and figures about the US Constitution.
US Constitution: Facts & Figures
The US Constitution is not only the oldest but also the shortest written Constitution (at 4,400 words) in the world.
It has been displayed in the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, since 1952. All four pages are currently on display behind the protective glass framed with titanium.
Out of more than 11,000 amendments introduced in Congress, only 33 have been sent to the states for ratification. Of those, 27 have received the necessary approval from the states to become amendments to the Constitution.
Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17, the day the framers signed the Constitution. At first, only male property owners could vote. African Americans were not considered citizens, and women could not vote. Native Americans were not given the right to vote until 1924. The Constitution does not say who can vote.
At the Constitutional Convention, 39 delegates signed the Constitution, three dissented, and two founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, did not sign because they represented the country abroad.
James Madison, also known as “the Father of the Constitution”, was the first person to arrive in Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention. He arrived three months before the convention started in February with a plan for the new Constitution.
The Great Compromise, put together by Connecticut delegate Roger Sherman, saved the Constitutional Convention and maybe even the Union.
It said that the House would have representatives based on each state’s population, and the Senate would have two representatives from each state. The compromise was accepted with a 5-to-4 vote, but one state, Massachusetts, couldn’t agree.
When the Constitution was signed, the population of the United States was 4 million. Philadelphia, the biggest city in the country, had 40,000 people living there.
George Washington created the first national “Thanksgiving Day,” established on November 26, 1789, as a way of “giving thanks” for the Constitution.
Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania was the oldest (81 years) delegate at the Constitutional Convention, while Jonathon Dayton of New Jersey was the youngest (26 years).
On September 17, the United States of America (USA) celebrates Constitution Day, also known as Constitution and Citizenship Day. This day honours the document that ensures Americans their essential rights. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
