Signed on September 17, 1787, the United States Constitution has remained as one of the most well-known documents in American history that is still heavily involved in many functions of our society today. And although many aspects of the document are still relevant in today’s terms, many Americans do not understand the historical context for it, and why it was necessary. Simply put, the Constitution came as a direct result of the Congress’ inability to tax the nation. The government at the time simply was not strong enough at that time to enforce such a rule, so with the aid of checks and balances, the United States was able to create a strong governmental system while preventing corruption.
It is made very clear quite early in the Constitution that these intentions were to be taken seriously:
The Congress shall have Power to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States; (Constitution, Sec. 8.1) The creation of additional branches of government allows the United States to tax citizens while other branches keep themselves in check. This is intentional and
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It is a legal document and a set of rules for the United States Government. The whole purpose of the document is built around establishing principles whereby the government should act and function. The Constitution would differ quite drastically from many other important primary sources in its formal nature, contrary to what we would expect of a personal letter or a public speech. This affects the writing of the document not only by the language exhibited in it, but especially the content it provides. It is not meant to persuade by emotions or sway public opinion, but to lay out the official governmental power and structure of the United