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Constitution
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What is Constitution?

The Constitution stands as one of the most examined documents in American political and legal history, making it a central subject in history, political science, law, and civics courses. Students write about it because it raises enduring questions about the balance of power, the protection of individual rights, and the relationship between citizens and their government. Its origins in the turbulent period following the Articles of Confederation, the debates surrounding its ratification, and its ongoing interpretation through amendments and Supreme Court decisions give it layers of complexity that reward sustained academic attention.

The papers collected here approach the Constitution from several distinct angles. Some take a historical perspective, examining the political pressures of the mid-1780s that drove delegates toward a new framework, or asking whether the document represented a counter-revolution or a national salvation. Others focus on legal and structural analysis, tracing how amendments shape the broader legal system or how federal power is distributed through federalism. Case-focused essays use specific Supreme Court decisions and cases such as Ruiz v. Estelle to ground constitutional principles in concrete legal outcomes. A smaller number of papers place the Constitution in comparative or thematic contexts alongside topics like secular humanism or revolutionary America.

A strong essay on the Constitution requires a focused thesis that moves beyond description toward an interpretive claim about power, rights, or legitimacy. Evidence drawn from the text of amendments, congressional authority, and documented legal precedent carries the most weight in historical and legal arguments. The most common pitfall is treating the Constitution as a static document rather than one continuously reshaped by political conflict, court interpretation, and the evolving relationship between citizens and federal government.

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Research Paper Doctorate
Machiavelli's vision of republican government in the Discourses
¶ … familiar with the adjective "machiavellian," very few are actually knowledgeable about the political philosophy of Niccolo Machiavelli. However, Machiavelli does in fact have a great deal to teach us and we should…
Paper Doctorate
Changing marriage and divorce rates in modern America
The purpose and social function of marriage has changed. While marriage was once a binding declaration of commitment and love to another person of the opposite gender, avowed and proclaimed in a holy ceremony, today…
Paper Undergraduate
Wolf reintroduction and management in Idaho since 1995
This is a research paper that gives in depth analysis of the state of wolf management in the state of Idaho. It incorporates an interdisciplinary framework and the legal, political, social, economic, and ecological dimensions of the issue. Giving special emphasis on the laws, policies, and regulations involved in the issue. The viewpoints and role of stakeholders and decision-makers are also included in the paper.
Paper Doctorate
Kelo v. City of New London: eminent domain and economic redevelopment
The U.S. Supreme Court case Kelo v. City of New London involved the issue of eminent domain which is granted to governmental bodies including federal, state and local governmental bodies by the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which means that the government is authorized to take land that is privately owned if the land is to be used by the public and the owner is paid a fair price for the land or what is referred to as ‘just compensation'. Prior to Kelo v. City of New London the power of eminent domain was typically exercised by cities for acquisition of facilities that were clearly intended for public use such as schools, bridges or freeways. The case of Kelo v. City of New London however, involved what was a "new trend among cities to use eminent domain to acquire land for the redevelopment or revitalization of depressed areas. Basically the use of eminent domain for economic, rather than public purposes." (Longley, 2005, p.1)
Paper Doctorate
The Brandenburg test and forum-based approaches to First Amendment restrictions
Clarence Brandenburg, standing with a burning cross in the background, stated at a public rally that "if our President, our Congress, our Supreme Court, continues to suppress the white, Caucasian race, it's possible…
Research Paper Doctorate
School uniforms as a solution to violence and peer pressure
During the last decade, the issue of school uniforms in public schools has become a topic of debate in communities across the country. While some feel it is an invasion of rights, most parents and school officials…
Research Paper Doctorate
Comparing legal systems in the United States and Canada
Neighboring countries, the United States and Canada, have legal systems with many similarities, yet some stark differences. Both abide by a Constitution, which enables all of the other systems of governments.
Research Paper Doctorate
Reforming Congress: Operations, representation, and campaign finance issues
¶ … sound reforms in the operations and structure of United States Congress. The paper also discusses the reasons why reforms are needed in this powerful institution of our country.
Paper Masters
The death penalty as permanent punishment for murder in New Orleans
This paper supports the use of the death penalty. It begins by lamenting the lawlessness in New Orleans and the idea that criminals have no fear of prosecution. It then goes on to outline various reasons to support the death penalty. These reasons are historical, religious, financial, to avoid future murders, and to extract retribution.
Paper Doctorate
Kelo v. City of New London and the takings clause
When the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Kelo v. City of New London, Connecticut in February of 2005, the issue legally speaking was a seemingly straightforward matter of Fifth Amendment…