23. Constitution

It is the system of fundamental laws of the Us. The Const. defines distinct powers for the Congress of the US, the president, and the federal courts. This division of authority is known as a system of checks and balances, and it ensures that none of the branches of government can dominate the others. The Const. establishes and limits the authority of the federal government over the states and spells out freedom and liberties for U.S. citizens.

Bill of Rights. First ten amendments to the Constitution of the U.S. The Bill of Rights establishes basic American civil liberties that the government cannot violate. The states ratified the Bill of Rights in 1791, three years after the Constitution was ratified. Because the Constitution of the U.S granted the federal government so much power, as compared with the earlier Articles of Confederation, several states demanded a list of amendments to guarantee individual rights against the intrusion by the federal government. The first ten amendments are known ass the Bill of Rights; the amendments protect such rights as freedom of speech, right against unlawful search and seizure , and the right to a public criminal trial by jury.