The U.S. Constitution is the highest law in the United States. Within this document people can find the fundamental laws constituting the Federal Government of the U.S. as well as the existence of the country as a separate, democratic and free entity. Learn when the Constitution was written and understand better the different important aspects that are of great significance to this country.

History of the U.S. Constitution

When was the Constitution written? According to historical records, in was some time in 1787 when the U.S. Constitution was written. For some time, it was not in effect. It was finally ratified almost two years later. Because of this all-important development, it was used in place of the old Articles of Confederation.

On May 25th in 1787, the deliberations of the Constitutional Convention started. The delegates came up with a conclusion that a central government with the power to enforce was needed. However, it was on September 17th of that same year when the Constitutional Convention decided to adopt the U.S. Constitution. Additionally, it was ratified on June 21st in 1788. Since then, it has been amended a total 27 times. The Bill of Rights covers the first ten amendments.

Primarily, the U.S. Constitution is comprised of 27 amendments, seven original articles and a preamble. The preamble is a clear statement of purpose. Meanwhile, the original articles cover highly important issues such as legislative power, executive power and judicial power. The other articles speak about the limits and powers of states, amendments, federal power as well as ratification.

The Constitution was shaped by various historical influences. These include the British experience with mixed government and the literature of Republicanism in the U.S. Furthermore, English philosopher John Locke also had several influences on some of its important aspects.

Important Details and Other Relevant Information

One of the most important parts of the Constitution is the U.S. Bill of Rights. It is important because it covers highly relevant issues. For instance, the First Amendment speaks of freedom to petition, freedom of speech and freedom of religion. It also speaks about the other rights of U.S. citizens including freedom of assembly and freedom of the press.

Under the Fourth amendment, people are provided protection against warrantless seizures of property, arrests and searches. In civil cases, the Seventh Amendment guarantees people a trial by jury. Meanwhile, the Eighth Amendment prohibits the implementation of unusual and cruel punishment as well as excessive fines.

One of the most significant events in the U.S., Inauguration Day usually happens after the country’s presidential elections. This marks the start of a new term for whoever is elected on Election Day. This is usually a festive event where balls, speeches and parades are usually held to celebrate the office of the new president. Here’s a quick take on Inauguration Day and other important details pertaining to this all-important event.

The Inauguration of the U.S. President

When is Inauguration Day? Today, Inauguration Day is held on the 20th day of January after every U.S. Presidential Election. For instance, Barack Obama won the general election in 2008. After this impressive win, he was inaugurated on January 20th, 2009. However, this was not always the case. From 1798 to 1933, this special event was held on March 4th after every general election. When the Twentieth Amendment was ratified in 1933, the date was eventually changed. After that, the event is always held on January 20th following the general elections.

Other Relevant Details and Information

At some point in the history of the U.S., this special event transpired on the East Portico of the Capitol. This is especially true starting from President Martin Van Buren until the term of President Jimmy Carter. Meanwhile, the venue for this event changed starting from the presidency of Ronald Reagan in 1981. Instead of holding the event on the East Portico, it was then changed to the West Portico. At some point, this important activity was held indoors. This actually happened in 1909 to President William Howard Taft, while Reagan experienced it in 1985.

For such glorious event, there are certain individuals who are very much expected to attend. These include high-ranking military officials, justices of the U.S. Supreme Court and members of the U.S. Congress.

In addition to these, there are various elements present in this kind of ceremony. Among them, the oath of office is the most important. After the oath, the president can deliver the inaugural address. According to records, four former presidents did not deliver a speech after their oaths of office. They were Chester A. Arthur, Andrew Johnson, Millard Fillmore and John Tyler.

In addition to the speech, there are also certain religious elements for this event. Sometimes there are poetry readings. Meanwhile, certain individuals preferred musical works. For others, they incorporated at least two or more prayers in the event. To make the event more colorful and meaningful, newly elected presidents have added prayer services, parades and congressional luncheons.

The U.S. government has been collecting taxes since the early parts of history. Progressive tax is imposed on the income of various kinds of groups and individuals. Bankruptcy estates, trusts and corporations pay their income taxes. The same way goes for corporations, partnerships and companies. To learn more about its other significant aspects, here’s a look at when Congress started taxing income and other related topics.

History

When did Congress start taxing income? It was on August 5th in 1861 when the federal government of the U.S. first imposed taxes on income. In relation to the Civil War during that time, the primary purpose of such practice was to gather funding to help finance the war. It was implemented right after the signing of the Revenue Act of 1861. It was stated at the first article, eighth section under the first clause of the U.S. Constitution.

After some time, the government stopped its implementation. It was later on resumed during the 1890s. In 1894, income taxes were collected even when there is no war to fund anymore. At some point, this practice stopped once again. It was re-imposed after the ratification of the Sixteenth Amendment in 1913. Today, the government follows the income tax provisions as stated under the amended Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The ability of the Congress to impose taxes is limited by the Constitution. The primary purpose of this is to prevent abuse.

Additional Information and Other Important Details

The history of tax rates is constantly changing. For instance, the tax rate on income was only 1 percent in 1913. This rule was applied to individuals with a net income of $3,000 or more. During that time, the exemptions and deductions were less. For individuals or groups with incomes of more than $500,000, the tax rate was set at 7 percent.

When the World War I escalated, people saw the tax rate balloon to a whopping 77 percent. Soon after the war was finally over, the government once again reduced the rate to a more manageable 25 percent. When the Great Depression arrived, the tax rate ballooned once again. The same thing happened during World War II. Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1939, the highest rate reached 75 percent. Things got even worse as the war continued. During this period, the tax rate even reached 94 percent.

Things changed a bit in 1964. People got a relief when the rate was reduced significantly to a much lower rate of 70 percent. In 1981, it plummeted to a much lower 50 percent. The top rate was 28 percent under the Tax Reform Act of 1986. The 1990s saw the top rate increase to 39.6 percent. Under the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, it was reduced to 35 percent.

Election Day in America is held on different days. The following is an overview of the dates for federal and local elections.

Federal Officials

This covers the President, Vice President and members of Congress (House of Representatives and the Senate).

The day is the Tuesday following the first Monday in the month of November. This takes place every four years on even numbered years. Based on this calculation, the earliest period would be November 2 and the latest would be the 8th. The President and Vice President are elected every four years. They are sworn in on January 20.

Members of Congress are elected every two years. The members of the Senate have a six year term. During Election Day in America though, the Senators’ terms are spread out so that only a third are up for grabs in the general election.

Because Congressmen have a shorter term, midterm elections are held. The term is derived from the fact that it takes place midway during the tenure of the sitting President.

Local Elections

Most local seats are also contested during the same period. However some states and counties hold it at different periods or odd numbered years. Depending on the state, early voting may or may not be allowed. Some states also declare it a civic holiday.

History

The law permitting states to choose electors was in place as far back as 1792. According to the law then, it had to be 34 days prior to the first Wednesday on December. The first Wednesday was the convention date of the electors for the President and Vice President.

There are numerous theories as to why the first Tuesday was selected as the Election Day in America. One is that other dates would run into conflict with the 34 day rule.

Another reason is that it was chosen because Wednesday was market day. A lot of the farmers would be busy, so Tuesday was selected. Another reason given for selecting just one date was to give the states equal voting power. In the previous arrangement, the states that held elections later would wield more influence on the outcome.

The Electoral College

While the citizens vote for the President and Vice President, it is the Electoral College that actually determines the winner. The Electoral College are composed of electors. These are chosen (through legislation) by the state before Election Day in America. There are different numbers of electors per state. Come voting time, it is this group that decides who becomes President and Vice President.

The candidate that gets 270 electoral votes will win. The public still votes for the President and Vice President, but it is the votes in the College that counts. A candidate can win the popular / public vote but without the Electoral vote, that individual cannot be President.

If there is no majority vote, the House of Representatives will conduct a special session. The state delegation will cast their ballot en bloc. The candidate with 26 or more votes will become the President.

Although there have been some suggestions for reforms in the current system, Election Day in America is still held and conducted in this manner. Unless the change is approved by Congress, it will continue to be the process used.

The very first presidential election in the U.S. played a huge part in world history. It was the beginning of a systematic, very organized and highly efficient system in choosing the nation’s president. Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane and find out when was the first presidential election.

The 1789 U.S. Presidential Election

When was the first presidential election? This significant event started on December 15th in 1788 and ended on January 10th of 1789. It was the very first presidential election in the U.S. that pitted John Adams and George Washington. It happened after the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1788. Washington went on to win this event. Aside from Adams, he also defeated other opponents including Connecticut Governor Samuel Huntington, Massachusetts Governor John Hancock and New York Governor George Clinton. Adams went on to become the first ever U.S. Vice President.

Significant Information and Other Details Related to This All-Important Event

In the old system of leadership prior to such an election, there was no chief executive. Instead, the Confederation Congress was mandated to lead the national government as stated in the Articles of Confederation. Various executive departments and a presiding officer were highly important under this kind of government system. Under the terms of this election, the one who earned the most votes automatically won the presidency. On the other hand, the second-placer automatically got the role of vice president.

This kind of electoral system was changed eventually after the ratification of the Twelfth Amendment some time in 1804. Under the new system, an elector must cast separate votes for the positions of vice president and president. Washington easily won this election. Adams grabbed the vice presidency for finishing second.

Overall, twelve candidates qualified for the election. Aside from Washington and Adams, Edward Telfair also competed in this event. He was a former Governor of Georgia. Meanwhile, John Rutledge was former Governor of South Carolina at that time. John Milton also joined the election while holding the position of Georgia Secretary of State. These gentlemen were joined by Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Benjamin Lincoln, New York Secretary of Foreign Affairs John Jay and Maryland judge Robert H. Harrison. The last candidate was James Armstrong, a renowned politician from Georgia.

Results of the 1789 U.S. Presidential Election

Washington got an electoral vote of 69, while Adams only got 34. Washington received a popular vote of 38,818. The electors represented South Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Virginia, New Hampshire, Georgia and Connecticut.