Understanding the U.S. Constitution

The objective of this book is to provide information about each article and amendment to the Constitution in a way that the reader understands the requirements in relation to issues of the day. Understanding not only our rights as citizens contained in the Constitution but the responsibilities of the federal and state governments. Examples of decisions and actions where applicable are provided in relation to the article or amendment being discussed. It is hoped this free book will provide a better understanding when the responsibilities of the federal or state government are exceeded in conjunction with laws, actions or decisions. Our Constitution begins with the preamble which is the basis for all the requirements contained within it. The words of the preamble are provided below: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” The preamble to the Constitution refers to we the people of the United States. The individuals who drafted the Constitution identified the fact that it is the people of the United States that created the Constitution. In this respect it is our responsibility to know the requirements of it. Knowing our rights as contained within it is not enough it is about knowing the responsibilities of all government levels and to know when these authorities have been violated. When this occurs it is our responsibility to hold individuals accountable for their violation and when we have the chance to remove them from office and replace them with someone who will honor the Constitution.