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.
Our nation's government is based on the American Constitution. This Constitution, together with its Bill of Rights and other amendments, provides us with a workable plan of government. The Constitution also guarantees to all Americans many priceless rights and freedoms. Our nation's government is based upon the approval, or consent, of the people who are governed. It is a federal system in which certain powers are given to the national government and other powers are left to the states and to the people.