Business Insight presented by Arlington Dermatology Lessons from the Civics Class With some national holidays coming in the summer, I thought it was a good idea to remind all of us, citizens, what historical events marked our existence as a country and what laws we are to follow. 1776 is often mistaken as a beginning of our Constitution and its laws. What actually happened on July 4th 1776 was signing of Declaration of Independence. Thirteen initial states, under command of Thomas Jefferson, signed a declaration of separation and independence from Great Britain, becoming an independent state rather than British colonies. Our Constitution was not written until 1787 and ratified in 1788. Ratification was crucial because no laws can become mandatory in the entire country unless 75% of the states approve them. That is called ratification and it is important for another document shaping our land, The Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights came to effect in 1791 and consisted of the first 10 amendments, limiting and regulating the powers of the government and empowering the citizens. Some of the amendments are quite powerful and continue to shape our politics and law today, while some others, by nature of time and changes in real life, seem to be quite outdated. Interestingly, there are 33 amendments to our Constitution, but only 27 were ratified by the states, which means the other six are not the law of the land. Let's look at some of the amendments and reflect on their language and real time impact: preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re- examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law. Amendment 1 Amendment 20 The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3rd day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article Amendment 2 had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin. A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. not ratified by the states. Amendment 28, written and approved by Congress but Amendment 15 The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Amendment 17 Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution: "Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States." The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures. I am sure many of you did not like civics classes and consider them boring; I think you may change your mind now. In times when politics seems to be taking over every part of our lives, reading these documents as they really are, without any biased interpretation, is a very exciting exercise. Have a great summer reading! Amendment 7 In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be Michael Bukhalo, MD Arlington Dermatology 5301 Keystone Court Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 Tel. 847 392 5440 | www.arlingtondermatology.net Business Insight presented by Arlington Dermatology Lessons from the Civics Class With some national holidays coming in the summer , I thought it was a good idea to remind all of us , citizens , what historical events marked our existence as a country and what laws we are to follow . 1776 is often mistaken as a beginning of our Constitution and its laws . What actually happened on July 4th 1776 was signing of Declaration of Independence . Thirteen initial states , under command of Thomas Jefferson , signed a declaration of separation and independence from Great Britain , becoming an independent state rather than British colonies . Our Constitution was not written until 1787 and ratified in 1788. Ratification was crucial because no laws can become mandatory in the entire country unless 75 % of the states approve them . That is called ratification and it is important for another document shaping our land , The Bill of Rights . The Bill of Rights came to effect in 1791 and consisted of the first 10 amendments , limiting and regulating the powers of the government and empowering the citizens . Some of the amendments are quite powerful and continue to shape our politics and law today , while some others , by nature of time and changes in real life , seem to be quite outdated . Interestingly , there are 33 amendments to our Constitution , but only 27 were ratified by the states , which means the other six are not the law of the land . Let's look at some of the amendments and reflect on their language and real time impact : preserved , and no fact tried by a jury , shall be otherwise re examined in any Court of the United States , than according to the rules of the common law . Amendment 1 Amendment 20 The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion , or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ; or abridging the freedom of speech , or of the press ; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble , and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances . noon on the 20th day of January , and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3rd day of January , of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article Amendment 2 had not been ratified ; and the terms of their successors shall then begin . A well regulated Militia , being necessary to the security of a free State , the right of the people to keep and bear Arms , shall not be infringed . not ratified by the states . Amendment 28 , written and approved by Congress but Amendment 15 The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race , color , or previous condition of servitude . Amendment 17 Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution : " Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally shall make no law that applies to the Senators and / or to the Senators and / or Representatives ; and , Congress Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States . " The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State , elected by the people thereof , for six years ; and each Senator shall have one vote . The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures . I am sure many of you did not like civics classes and consider them boring ; I think you may change your mind now . In times when politics seems to be taking over every part of our lives , reading these documents as they really are , without any biased interpretation , is a very exciting exercise . Have a great summer reading ! Amendment 7 In Suits at common law , where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars , the right of trial by jury shall be Michael Bukhalo , MD Arlington Dermatology 5301 Keystone Court Rolling Meadows , IL 60008 Tel . 847 392 5440 | www.arlingtondermatology.net