The United States’ Constitution is the foundation of American democracy – but how did it come to be, and what led to its creation? In this brand-new bookazine, discover the remarkable story of this historic document, from its inception and the unique structure of government that it created, to the amendments that are upheld and championed to this day. Elsewhere, learn about the legacy of this remarkable charter, and see how its creation impacted the lives of US citizens.
Welcome to Constitution of the UNITED STATES
America’s Tyrant • Blamed for losing the Thirteen Colonies and vilified in the Declaration of Independence, does King George III deserve this bitter legacy?
ESCALATION OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION • Discover how the British Parliament and its farflung subjects across the Atlantic Ocean came closer and closer to insurrection
AMERICA’S FIRST WHISTLEBLOWER • How Benjamin Franklin upped the stakes with a leaked letter
TO CURE A KING • George III’s medical mystery
FLAWED FOUNDING OF THE UNITED STATES • Were the seeds of Civil War already written into the American Constitution?
TIMELINE OF INDEPENDENCE • Key events towards the constitution
WHO’S WHO • Key players explained
THE ORIGINAL 13 • A quick guide to the first states of the union
WRITING THE US CONSTITUTION • In the summer of 1787 a simple rewrite of a document morphed into one of history’s most important political creations
THE FATHER OF THE CONSTITUTION • How one of the youngest Founding Fathers became the figurehead of democracy
THE FEDERALIST PAPERS • Eighty-five essays that helped change the course of history
A NUMBERS GAME • Like all group projects, the Convention had their fair share of dissenters and dropouts
THE MEN WHO SIGNED THE CONSTITUTION • The Constitutional Convention was attended by 55 of the 70 appointed delegates, but only 39 of them signed the final document
The Constitution in full
UNDERSTANDING THE CONSTITUTION • One Preamble, seven articles and 27 amendments – including the Bill of Rights – make up the United States Constitution. But what exactly do these articles of the Constitution mean for the country?
NO RELIGIOUS REQUIREMENTS • According to the Constitution, holding office in the United States is not a matter of faith, but of loyalty to the nation
WHAT IS FEDERALISM? • Federalism is embedded in the Constitution, in the hope of assuring a fair share of power. But what exactly is it and why does it matter?
THE TENTH AMENDMENT • How this amendment defines the principle of federalism in the United States
THE ROLE OF GOVERNOR • The state governor serves as commander-in-chief of the state they represent; but what does the role entail?
THE SEPARATION OF POWERS • The federal government consists of three branches; their relationship is vital to democracy in the United States of America
IMPEACHMENT • The power of the Legislative Branch to impeach a president cannot be underestimated
THE CABINET • Few are as close to the president or as powerful as the Cabinet of the United States
The Amendments in full
THE BILL OF RIGHTS • The first ten Amendments enshrined the rights of the people in the new United States and have shaped the nation we know today
THE OTHER 17 • Since the Bill of Rights, 17 more Amendments have been made to the US Constitution, each changing the country’s history
UNRATIFIED AMENDMENTS • These six amendments got close, but not close enough
INSIDE THE US CAPITOL • Explore the building that is a symbol of the American people
A CITIZEN’S ROLE • The United States is a democracy, meaning that all its citizens are welcome to participate. There...