Laws may pursue form over function. Case in point is the fact that some states even have adopted state cats (although an examination of state symbol law reveals that many states have adopted a litany of âstate symbols,â including dance, food, insect, and drink). For example, the official Maine cat is, of course, the Maine coon cat. 1 M.R.S.A. Â§ 217.
The Constitution of the United States established Americaâs national government and fundamental laws, and guaranteed certain basic rights for its citizens. It was signed on September 17, 1787, by delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
The Constitutional Convention. 1  Limited Government - The principle that the power of the government is limited by the Constitution; a system of government in which the government is given only the powers specifically listed in written documents. 2  Separation of Powers - There are three branches of government, each with its own powers and duties.