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Foundation of American Colonies

American War of Independence, Reasons for the war, Outcomes of the American War of Independence, Features of the American Constitution, Significance of the Constitution.

The United States of America has emerged as one of the most integral superpowers in the world economically and politically dominating over almost all the other nations. But if we try to trace the historical trajectory of the country, America depicts a great demonstration of bravery and courage freeing their motherland from the oppressive British colonizers. 

REASONS FOR THE CONFLICT

The war did not take place suddenly. Rather, it was the result of a decade-long exasperation of the Americans caused due to a lot of reasons. These are:

  1. THE MERCANTILIST POLICY OF GREAT BRITAIN: The British policy was crafted to derive maximum profit for Britain at the expense of exploiting their colonies. The Navigation Law of 1651 imposed a lot of restrictions on the American traders. 
  2. ROLE OF SEVEN YEARS WAR: The war of Seven Years had pushed Britain into the path of intense economic curbs. To ameliorate their economic condition, the British parliament decided to impose unjust taxes on the Americans which had infuriated them.  
  3. TOWNSHEND ACT OF 1767 AND BOSTON MASSACRE OF 1770: One of the most unjustified tax levied on the Americans was by the act of 1767. It imposed custom duty on certain commodities including tea. When the Americans refused to pay the taxes, it resulted in a mob attack leading to casualties widely regarded as the Boston massacre. 

OUTCOMES OF THE REVOLUTION

The American Revolution paved the way for certain developments in the country. These are:

  1. According to the agreement of the Treaty of Paris, Britain had to withdraw every claim from its American colonies. 
  2. It inspired the French people to bring about revolution. 
  3. The revolution led to the establishment of a democratic republic America. 

BIRTH OF A REVOLUTIONARY DOCUMENT: THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION

In 1787, the world witnessed a revolutionary event in Philadelphia under the presidential ship of George Washington. The constitutional convention was held to propose the framework of the American constitution. The 13 independent colonies of America united themselves giving birth to the United States of America.

FEATURES OF THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION

The American Constitution is an example of a pioneering chronicle in Western history. Many countries have adopted some of its constitutional features. The most significant features of this document are:

  1. WRITTEN DOCUMENT: A written piece of document, the American Constitution upholds the visibility of its highest 
  2. FEDERAL IN NATURE: During the birth of America as an independent nation, it was a federation consisting of only 13 states. But during the course of time, there has been admittance of newer states, presently rising up the number to 50. There is a clear distinction and distribution of powers between the center and the federal states.  The provision of Implied Power has however allowed the center to exercise more power than before. 
  3. PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM: Much like in a federal state of government, the Constitution of America positions the president as the supreme head of the country. The President, elected for a term of 4 years, is entrusted with a lot of power and is not responsible to the Congress for his/her decisions.
  4. CONSTITUTIONAL SUPREMACY: The legislative bodies do not have the power to invalidate the provisions of the Constitution. Hence, it acts as the supreme and lawful document of the land. 
  5. SEPARATION OF POWER: The three chambers of power that operate in the country i.e., the executive, legislative and the judiciary are separated from each other though the distinction is not always clearly defined. This clear distinction is not advisable nor desirable as for a government to work properly, these organs should intersect and work in association with each other.
  6. SYSTEMOF JUDICIAL REVIEW: The judiciary is vested with the absolute power to review and if necessary, invalidate any legislative or executive action that infringes the constitutional provisions. 
  7. A REPUBLIC: The USA is one of the earliest examples of a republic where the Constitution reflects the ideas of the citizens and remains directly questionable to them. Hence, it wields its authority from the common people. 
  8. DUAL CITIZENSHIP: The American Constitution allows for dual citizenship unlike most of the ex-colonies. That means that an American citizen enjoys citizenship of both America as well as his place of domicile. 

CONCLUSION

One of the greatest exhibitions of revolt and resistance in the history of mankind is the American Revolution. It challenged the invincible supremacy of Great Britain and led to the emergence of a nation which went on to become the most significant flag bearer of democracy. The revolution inspired other nations to free their motherland from the shackles of colonial oppression. 

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