The U.S. Constitution, featuring profiles on Founding Fathers, a comprehensive collection of amendments, and a wealth of historical documents.
Online since 1995.
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Historical Foundations of Press Freedom The First Amendment, ratified in 1791, provides the foundation for press freedom in the United States. It prevents Congress from making laws that infringe on freedom of speech and the press. This critical amendment has…
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Commerce Clause and Federal Power
The Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution has been crucial in forming the nation's economic landscape. From addressing fragmented economic policies under the Articles of Confederation to expansive interpretations during key moments in American history, this clause has been…
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Constitution and Voting Rights
The history of voting rights in the United States demonstrates the nation's commitment to refining and expanding the principles established by the Founding Fathers. From early restrictions to significant amendments and legislation, this journey reflects both progress and ongoing challenges…
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Presidential Pardon Limits
Constitutional Basis and Historical Origins Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution grants the President the power to “grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.” This clause establishes the President’s authority…
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Constitutional Role in Environmental Law
Judicial activism in environmental law presents a complex interaction between the judiciary and other branches of government. The U.S. Constitution delineates specific roles for each branch to maintain balanced governance. Recent cases like Juliana v. United States and Held v.…
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Constitution and Economic Inequality
Historical Foundations of Economic Inequality in the Constitution The U.S. Constitution, crafted during a period of significant political thought, aimed to create a balanced governmental system. The drafters incorporated certain economic principles while avoiding direct redistributive policies, focusing instead on…
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AI Regulation and the Constitution
Technological Threats to Democracy Automated systems in patient care, hiring, and credit decisions raise constitutional concerns. These systems can be unsafe, ineffective, or biased, potentially propagating inequalities or introducing new forms of discrimination. Unregulated social media data collection often infringes…
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Judicial Activism vs. Restraint
Historical Context of Judicial Activism and Restraint Judicial activism and restraint have been contentious topics since the Warren Court era of the 1960s. The Warren Court's progressive decisions on civil rights, such as Brown v. Board of Education, aimed to…
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Miranda Rights and Constitutional Protections
Historical Context of Miranda v. Arizona In 1963, Ernesto Miranda was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona, for rape and kidnapping. During a two-hour interrogation, police never informed him of his right to remain silent or his right to an attorney. Miranda…
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National Security vs. Civil Liberties
Throughout American history, the tension between national security and civil liberties has been a persistent issue. From the TSA to the USA Patriot Act, each measure reflects an ongoing struggle to balance safety with freedom. This article examines how historical…