Comparing Constitution, Essay Example

A constitution is a codified set of rules of any government or institution. It may be written or unwritten document with fundamental principles of an independent body. It establishes structures, procedures, powers and duties of government or institution. It contains the rights of citizens.

The constitution of Virginia was first drafted on May fifth 1776 soon after the declaration of America’s independence of the thirteen states. The constitution defines and limits the powers of state government in conjunction with the emphasis on the preservation of basic rights of the citizens.

It was not extremely powerful as the constitution of the United States.

George Mason, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were the influential drafters of this constitution. There was the creation of bicameral Virginia general assembly as the legislative body. The 1776 constitution of Virginia declared the dissolution of rule of the Great Britain over Virginia. It proved to be an autonomous body to run its own affairs without interference.

The constitution provided declaration of human rights that guaranteed the rights of freedom; this defined the meaning and purpose of government. The constitution limited the right of voting to those who owned property and lived in affluent, but more powers were vested to landowners and aristocracy of southern east Virginia, citizens with eighteen years and above were allowed to vote. However constitutional article stated that all men were equally free and any power was derived from people without whom no government could run. Moreso the legislature powers were placed on Virginia general assembly which was composed of Virginia senate and Virginia house of delegate, it forbade incorporation of churches this meant there was no right to free worship.

The legislature and executive were seen as separate and distinct bodies. No any arm of government could be allowed to exercise power that belonged to the other, as the result could infringe on the citizens rights. General assembly approved the right to free primary and secondary education to any Virginia child by funding and supporting all educational programs in Virginia State.

Like Virginia, the Pennsylvania constitution was enacted in response to onset of America’s freedom and the instruction of second continental congress to refuse the British rule. It was drafted on September eighth, 1776 under the influence of Benjamin Franklin. Its main concerns were to restore authority to the people by clearly defining there rights. It was based on the ideas of French thinker Jean Jacque Rousseau.

The constitution guaranteed participation and protection of citizens by clearly stressing on the virtues of fair, just and legal representation by the chosen politicians. Unlike Virginia’s constitution, this constitution adopted a unicameral legislature where any man who wished to run for political office was supposed to be of good moral and not interested in accumulating wealth but representing the society well.

It also had set rules which mandated annual elections, unlike in Virginia elections were done after four years. The terms in Pennsylvania constitution were limited to four out of seven years for the purpose of fair representation of the people and smooth exit of politicians from office. In Virginia the legislature was too powerful compared to in Pennsylvania where making of laws was controlled to ensure maximum participation of all citizens.

The executive roles were given to the elected council this was seen as a way of training people for leadership roles and refraining from what was impeaching on the rights of people. The council had a duty to elect the president and vice president. The powers of president were limited in that he or she could not appoint any judge or command militias without the knowledge of the council. The same constrain were attached to the judiciary. This constitution embraced the principle to exercise free religion and during election anybody above twenty one years was allowed to vote only those with minimal property interest.

These two constitutions base on the need for any government to respect the fundamental rights of its citizens. There is also the need for government bodies to be independent to avoid interference from the government bringing the need of separating powers and limiting them. Principle of equality and fair treatment of citizens has been stressed by both constitutions. Time span on how long one should stay in public office was emphasized with emphasis on limiting the terms one could occupy office.