Author: Eleanor Stratton

Formation and Purpose of the Constitutional Convention The Articles of Confederation, while providing a semblance of national unity, had significant limitations in the post-Revolutionary War era. Under the Articles, each state acted almost as an independent entity, leading to inefficient governance at the national level. This weak federal setup made it difficult to resolve issues…

Historical Context and Origin During the times leading up to the American Revolutionary War, the British Parliament enacted the Quartering Acts, which required American colonists to provide housing and necessities for British soldiers stationed in America. This imposition was viewed as a violation of personal property and autonomy, exacerbating the already strained relations between Britain…

Historical Context of the 13th Amendment The ratification of the 13th Amendment in 1865 marked a pivotal moment in the United States, emerging directly from the tumultuous years of the Civil War, where the divides over slavery threatened to irreparably fracture the nation. Designed to formally abolish slavery, this amendment was born in a climate…

Historical Context of the Fourth Amendment The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was penned in response to severe grievances under British rule regarding privacy violations and unreasonable searches and seizures. This was a period where British authorities utilized "writs of assistance," which effectively served as general search warrants without substantial specifications toward a suspicion…

Origins of the 19th Amendment The Seneca Falls Convention of 1848, led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, was a pivotal event in the history of women's rights in America. It marked the initial organized push for women's suffrage and challenged existing notions about the social and legal barriers placed on women. The Declaration…

Defining a Constitutional Republic The United States operates as a constitutional republic, a form of government that involves representatives elected by the people, who execute their duties under the constraints of a prevailing constitution that specifies the powers and limits of government. One fundamental principle of a constitutional republic is the protection of minority rights…

Major Questions Doctrine The Supreme Court's adoption of the Major Questions Doctrine represents a critical pivot in how federal agencies may regulate environmental and other significant policies. The doctrine necessitates clear and explicit congressional authorization for any regulatory actions that carry major economic and political significance. In practice, this means that previous implicit understandings and…