I'm doing an extra credit worksheet, and it's tricky... one of the questions is "Find the number of years the Constituion has actually been in use." I know when the Constitution was ratified, but it sounds like it's a trick question so I can't be sure. >_<' Anybody know the answer to it?
2006-11-12 14:34:56 · 5 answers · asked by Koko 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
Depends on what you have discussed in class, really. ratified in 1789, so you could use that date, but if you have covered Martial Law being instituted by Lincoln in 1861... that makes it dicey.
Lincoln did NOT suspend the constitution during this time, but Martial Law DID suspend Habeas Corpus, and some view that as not allowing the Constitution to be fully utilized, so you could discount 1861-1866 if you are so inclined.
2006-11-12 15:07:38 · answer #1 · answered by me 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The oldest federal constitution in existence was framed by a convention of delegates from twelve of the thirteen original states in Philadelphia in May 1787, Rhode Island failing to send a delegate.George Washington presided over the session,which lasted until September 17,1787.The draft (originally a preamble and seven Article)was submitted to all thirteen states and was to become effective when ratified by nine states. It went into effect on the first Wednesday in March 1789,having been ratified by New Hampshire,the ninth state to approve,on June 21,1788.The date you need is March 4,1789
2006-11-12 22:55:53 · answer #2 · answered by kalusz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since 1789. 217 years.
2006-11-12 23:56:06 · answer #3 · answered by yupchagee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Constitution has been in use for the past 230 years.
2006-11-12 22:51:46 · answer #4 · answered by SeahawkFan37 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1789 till 2000 then it quit being used and started being changed
2006-11-13 00:00:27 · answer #5 · answered by billc4u 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋