The U.S. Constitution, featuring profiles on Founding Fathers, a comprehensive collection of amendments, and a wealth of historical documents.
Online since 1995.
-
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…
-
SCOTUS vs. Presidential Power
Historical Context of the 14th Amendment The 14th Amendment emerged from the aftermath of the American Civil War. Established in 1868, it aimed to redefine the nation's civil and legal landscape during the reintegration of Southern states into the Union.…
-
ERA Failure & Relevance
Historical Context and Initial Proposal of the ERA Alice Paul drafted the original Equal Rights Amendment in 1923, just three years after women secured the right to vote through the Nineteenth Amendment. Her goal was to ensure gender equality in…
-
18th & 21st Amendments Evolution
Origins and Impact of the 18th Amendment The Eighteenth Amendment emerged from a century-long temperance crusade, rooted in social reform and moral aspiration, with ratification achieved on January 16, 1919. This legal act prohibited alcohol production, sale, and transportation. The…
-
Founding Fathers & Gun Rights
Historical Context of the Second Amendment The early American colonists' concerns and experience with military power significantly shaped the drafting of the Second Amendment. The English Bill of Rights of 1689 had previously laid ground that protestants may bear arms…
-
14th Amendment & Birthright Citizenship
Historical Context of the 14th Amendment The period leading to the ratification of the 14th Amendment was marked by the Civil War and the Abolitionist Movement. This amendment, introduced in 1866 and ratified in 1868, was aimed primarily at securing…
-
Emoluments Clause & Presidential Business
Understanding the Emoluments Clause The Emoluments Clause, articulated in the U.S. Constitution, serves as a safeguard designed to bar federal officeholders from receiving any gifts, offices, titles, or emoluments from foreign states without congressional consent. Embedded within this legal framework…
-
Electoral College Explained
Historical Development The Electoral College, as outlined in Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution, was established as a compromise between election of the President by Congress and election by popular vote. The founders aimed to form a buffer…
-
First Amendment Assembly Rights
Historical Evolution of Assembly Rights The right to assemble peacefully is deeply rooted in the historical legal landscape, anchoring its importance in democratic practices. Initially, the Magna Carta, a cornerstone of English constitutional law in 1215, indirectly supported the right…
-
First Amendment Speech Rights
Historical Evolution of Free Speech The First Amendment, a pillar of American democracy, enshrines freedom of speech among its key protections. This right has experienced an evolving interpretation since its inception in 1791. Initially, its boundaries were not clearly defined,…