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U.S. Constitution, featuring profiles on Founding Fathers, a comprehensive collection of amendments, and a wealth of historical documents.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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Citizens United v. FEC Overview The Supreme Court's case, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, became a pivotal event in political history, markedly altering the landscape of American electoral finance. Originating from a conflict over a politically-charged film critical of…
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12th Amendment & Electoral Reform
Historical Context of the 12th Amendment In 1800, a significant flaw in the electoral system became evident during the contentious presidential battle between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr. The election ultimately highlighted the necessity for substantial modifications leading to the…
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20th Amendment Analysis
Historical Context of the 20th Amendment Following the chaotic 1932 election during the depths of the Great Depression, the prolonged lag between Election Day in November and Inauguration Day in March only intensified the nation's staggering financial uncertainties. With a…
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Sixth Amendment Challenges
Historical Context of the Sixth Amendment The Sixth Amendment draws significantly from English common law, particularly the Magna Carta of 1215, which established that free men could not be punished except through the law of the land. The Habeas Corpus…
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Seventh Amendment Explained
Historical Origins and Development The Seventh Amendment, which preserves the right to a jury trial in civil cases within federal courts, has deep roots in English legal customs. This connection is critical to understanding the Amendment's inception and its lasting…
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US Constitution & Native Rights
Historical Context of Native American Rights In the 18th and 19th centuries, many treaties were made between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. These treaties often allowed for peace and the transfer or protection of tribal lands. However, the…
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US Presidential Impeachment Process
Constitutional Basis of Impeachment Article II, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution states that "The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or…
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Ninth Amendment & Privacy
Historical Context of the Ninth Amendment The Ninth Amendment of the United States Constitution, ratified as part of the Bill of Rights in 1791, states, "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or…
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Supremacy Clause Analysis
Historical Genesis of the Supremacy Clause The former government system under the Articles of Confederation left much to be desired in terms of centralized power, an issue that the framers of the Constitution aimed to address. Individual states had too…
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16th Amendment Impact
Origins of the 16th Amendment The push for the 16th Amendment originated in an era where differing economic conditions strained various sectors of American society. In the latter half of the 19th century, the burgeoning industrial and financial sectors in…