Sparks Commentary

When the Founding Fathers wrote the original Constitution in 1787, they were creating a document that would change everything in America, ...

The original Constitution never used the words "slave" or slavery," but it sure did talk about them ... In the Constituti...

"The political liberty of the [citizen] is a tranquillity of mind, arising from the opinion each person has of his safety. In order t...

"For as in absolute governments the King is law, so in free countries the law ought to be King; and there ought to be no other ....

"Before he [the president] enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the following oath or affirmation: I do solemnly swear...

"As the perusal of the political papers under the signature of Publius has afforded me great satisfaction, I shall certainly conside...

"Therefore, I shall resign the presidency effective at noon tomorrow. Vice President Ford will be sworn in as President at that hour...

"Treason against the United States shall consist only in  levying war against them , or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid...

"The essence of Government is power; and power lodged as it must be, in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse ." - James M...

"The Senate of the United States shall be composed of  two Senators from each State , chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six year...

"It has been frequently remarked that it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct and example, to ...

"All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States , which shall consist of a  Senate  and  Ho...

"The judicial power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme court , and in such inferior courts as the Congress may, fro...

"The Executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America . He shall hold office during the term of four ye...

"The migration or importation of such persons as any of the states now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited...

"Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of pe...

"The ratification of the conventions of  nine states , shall be sufficient for the establishment of this constitution between the sta...

"The enumeration [or "listing"] in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others ...

"This constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or which shall...

"We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union , establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide...