Comparing the United States Constitution with Local State Constitutions

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The United States Constitution begins with the simple phrase “We the People”. Yet, with three simple words, the ideology it stands for has shaped the entire country (O’Connor et al., 2011). The short phrase signifies that the document, and thus, the government, is based upon the people themselves. The Constitution reflects the culture and ideologies of its citizens. Similarly, state constitutions reflect the people, albeit in a more specific locality. The key differences between the United States Constitution and that of local states are due to the distinctions between the scope and characteristics of the people they govern.

There is much debate in political theory about the definition of a constitution. Generally, it is considered as a “single governing document”. If that is the case, then the U.S. Constitution is the oldest in the world (Berry, 2011). The Framers, upon writing it, aimed to create a document that would stand the test of time. Despite changes in population size, racial and religious components, and even the modern day technology, the objective has clearly been achieved. Elkins claims that this is primarily due to its flexibility. Judicial review interprets the document with the rapidly changing society in mind (as cited in Garza, 2008). Many state constitutions, on the other hand, have not survived as long. Since many have been written with specific people and localities in mind, they have not been able to adapt to change well. Louisiana, for example, has had 11 state constitutions. It is common today, for states to consider overhauling their current constitutions (Morris, Henson, & Fackler, 2011).

The difference in the lengths of the two constitutions is apparent. The former is merely 7,000 words long, while t...

... middle of paper ...

...re inevitable considering the vast difference between the scopes of the federal constitution and those of local states.

Works Cited

O’Connor, K., Sabato, L. J., Yanus, A. B, Gibson, Jr., L. T., & Robinson, C. (2011). American Government: Roots and Reform 2011 Texas Edition. United States: Pearson Education, Inc.

Henson, J. (Interviewer) & Elkins, Z. (Interviewee). (2008). The Bases of Longevity in the U.S. Constitution [Interview video file].

Retrieved from http://www.laits.utexas.edu/gov310/CF/elkins03/index.html

Morris, J., Henson, J., Fackler, T. (2011). Texas Politics.

Retrieved from http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/7_3_1.html

Blanda, S. (2010). The 4 differences between the federal and state constitutions. Constitution Daily.

Retrieved from http://blog.constitutioncenter.org/the-4-differences-between-the-federal-and-state-constitutions/

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