#usconstitution

"No federal employee has a right to their job. Each is operating under the Executive Branch—as FBI agents do—serving at the pleasure of the President and can be dispatched to any assignment commanded, even if that station is to watch ice melt at the South Pole…"

Founding Fathers of the United States

The Founding Fathers of the United States were the leaders of the American Revolution (c. 1765-1789), who led the push for American independence from Great Britain, founded the United States, and oversaw the implementation of the US Constitution in the tumultuous years following the war.

While the term 'Founding Father' can apply to many influential individuals from the American Revolutionary period, this collection looks at 15 of the most significant. It includes the men who spearheaded the initial struggle against Parliament in the 1760s, the writers of the Declaration of Independence, influential figures in the Second Continental Congress, which oversaw the course of the American Revolutionary War, as well as the first five presidents of the United States.

🚫 Prohibit Felons From Serving as President

✍️ 283 so far! Help us get to 500 signers!

I am deeply concerned about the possibility of felons serving as President of the United States. While our Constitution doesn't explicitly bar felons from running, I believe the presidency, as a symbol of moral leadership, should be beyond reproach. A felon in this role could erode justice and public trust, setting a dangerous precedent.

Although federal law allows felons to run, state laws often restrict felons' civic rights—raising questions about fairness and consistency in legal application. From a security standpoint, the risks of entrusting someone with a criminal history with nuclear codes or military decisions are considerable.

We must consider a constitutional amendment to close this gap and preserve the integrity of our highest office.

▶ Created on November 6 by Marcus

📱 Text SIGN PDCKKQ to 50409

🤯 Liked it? Text FOLLOW MEEVV to 50409

The Right to Trial by Jury in Civil Cases

"In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States than according to the rules of common law."

Explanation:

The Seventh Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by jury in civil cases. It ensures that in certain legal disputes, where the value in question exceeds twenty dollars, the parties involved have the right to have their case decided by a jury of their peers.

The amendment emphasizes the importance of preserving this right, which dates back to English common law traditions. It seeks to protect individuals from having their property or financial interests decided solely by judges without the input of a jury.

Application to Daily Life:

Amendment VII plays a significant role in protecting the rights of individuals and corporations in civil disputes in modern-day America. Here's how it applies to our daily lives:

Legal Disputes: The Seventh Amendment becomes particularly relevant in civil cases, such as personal injury claims, contract disputes, property disputes, and tort cases. If the amount of money or value involved exceeds the threshold set by the amendment, both parties have the right to request a trial by jury.

Jury Selection: In cases where a jury trial is requested, a jury of ordinary citizens is selected to hear the evidence, review the facts, and reach a verdict. This ensures that decisions are not made solely by legal professionals but by a group of impartial peers.

Balancing Power: The Seventh Amendment helps maintain a balance of power in the legal system. It prevents potential bias or unfair decisions by giving individuals the opportunity to present their case to a jury, making the process more democratic.

Civil Justice System: This amendment plays a crucial role in the civil justice system, as it empowers citizens to participate actively in the legal process. It helps ensure that verdicts are not solely based on the interpretation of laws by judges but also consider the collective wisdom of a jury.

Settlements: In many cases, the right to a trial by jury can influence parties to settle out of court to avoid the uncertainty of a jury's decision. This, in turn, can lead to more efficient resolution of disputes in the legal system.

Sing along with us! The Constitution, Schoolhouse Rock GIF.

National Archives “We The People” GIF.

HAPPY CONSTITUTION DAY!

#OTD in 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia signed this landmark document. And now you can, too! 

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE CONSTITUTION!

Did you know???

- Founding Fathers/future Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson didn’t sign the Constitution!  No, they didn’t call (write) in sick - Adams was ambassador to Great Britain, Jefferson was ambassador to France.

- Only 1 Amendment to the Constitution has been repealed—the 18th (Prohibition).

- The oldest member at the Constitutional Convention was 81 (Ben Franklin, PA) and the youngest was only 26! (Jonathan Dayton, NJ).

- Rhode Island boycotted the Constitutional Convention and only signed the document in 1790!

- The U.S. Constitution is the oldest and shortest written constitution still in use today!

- Patrick Henry, the patriot who cried “give me liberty or give me death,” was chosen as a delegate but refused to attend/support the Constitutional Convention stating: “I smelt a rat.”

- “We the People of the United States” was a late edit. Previously, it was the wordy:

Image from the Library of Congress. 

Check out Celebrating Constitution Day page and Celebrate Constitution Day Online National Archives News story for lots of additional info, resources, webinars, programs and more! 

See also: (forgotten) Founding Father John Jay’s papers are added to Founders Online! 

See the forgotten 5th page of this landmark document in this video!