ABSTRACT
The Constitution as symbol attaches fundamental and "higher law" significance to the organic law, assuring its worth and providing checks on the mundane day-to-day enactments and actions of public officials. The United States Constitution is written to make the details of the Constitution as instrument available to delineate governmental powers and to proclaim the principles of the Constitution as symbol. The components of the Constitution as an instrument through which the needs of unity, justice, tranquillity, defense, welfare, and liberty are to be met are separation of powers and federalism. The Bill of Rights, a fundamental part of the Constitution because it was adopted almost simultaneously with ratification and resulted from demands during that process, defines those areas of political, economic, and social existence that are beyond the concern of government. The chapter also presents an overview on the key concepts discussed in this book.
