A Cultural Artifact of United States of America - Assignment Example

    A Cultural Artifact of United States of America Abstract This paper will look at one of the cultural artifacts in the United States of America that sufficiently characterizes the American culture in which I exist today. In addition, the paper will offer a comprehensive assessment of the artifact and how it is connected to the values or standards and beliefs of the American culture. Moreover, the paper will tackle the historical pedigree of the artifact and profound cultural pedigree of the artifact. Also, the paper will assess the anticipation of the artifact being handed to the next generations. Finally, the paper will look at the forms of evolutions that the artifact may experience due to changes in culture (Sayre, 2013). Introduction An artifact refers to a physical item that is created, developed, or utilized by human beings. Cultural artifact can be depicted as a phrase that is widely utilized in social science and humanities, in particular in History, ethnology, sociology, and anthropology. According to these disciplines, a cultural artifact refers to any item developed by human beings that provides specified details about the background and culture of its maker and probable users. In addition, cultural artifacts may also give information regarding the economy, technological activities, and a number of different subjects (Sayre, 2013). There are numerous significant artifacts that highlight the American culture. Nonetheless, an individual who has adequate knowledge in the field of humanities is most likely to choose the United States constitution as the artifact that best represent the American culture. This paper will look at the United States constitution as an artifact that adequately the American culture in which I exist today. It will also offer a comprehensive assessment of the United States constitution. The paper will offer a comprehensive assessment of the United States constitution and how it is connected to the values or standards and beliefs of the American culture. Also, the paper will assess the anticipation of the United States constitution being handed to the next generations and the forms of evolutions that the United States constitution may experience due to changes in culture. Question 1 The cultural artifact that most likely represents the United States culture is the United States constitution. The United States constitution is a document that has taken on the responsibility as the outline for the development of the United State administration and country. The United States constitution is an actual symbol of statesmanship and coordinated attempt on the basis of statistical illustration by the members of the population (Banks, 2001). Question 2 The United States constitution was composed on parchment paper in the 1700s and was formally approved in 1978. The approval of the constitution was done by the constitutional convention in the Philadelphia state. The American constitution is made up of an introduction, twenty seven amendments, seven primary articles, and a paragraph authenticating its ratification by the constitutional convention. The introduction highlights the derivation, extent, and function of the constitution. The range of the constitution is divided into two. One, to establish a more ideal union than which had existed in the early periods of the perpetual union of the Articles of confederation. Two, is to safeguard the blessings of liberty. These were to be benefit from by both those of the first generation and those of the subsequent generations. The constitution is a detailed social agreement of democratic idea. The constitution highlights how the more ideal union was to be undertaken between the people and the national administration. The document ensures citizens are given common defense, justice, civil peace, freedom, and things of a common benefit that they may not give themselves (Sayre, 2013). The American constitution was approved by representatives of the citizens in the name of the people. In addition, the United States constitution established the three branches of governing the country, they include, the executive, judiciary, and legislature. The constitution also bestowed those responsibilities and powers, and also ascertained the personal authority provided to each and a system of checks and balance to guarantee no branch became extremely dominant. The United States constitution also relates to the values and beliefs of the American culture. The constitution takes into account the values and beliefs relating to life (Sayre, 2013). Under the constitution, a person’s right to life should be contemplated uninfringeable except in specified largely extreme and restricted situations, for example when utilizing extreme force to safeguard the lives of others or their own. Also, the American culture emphasizes patriotism. The constitution holds that upright individuals illustrate a dedication to the country, with commitment to the essential standards upon which it depends. Question 3 The deep cultural roots of the American constitution are embedded in liberty, the pursuit of happiness, common good, justice, equality, and diversity. The right to liberty has always been a significant component of the American situation. This means that the obligation of people cannot be legally imposed on others. The right to liberty entails individual freedom. The pursuit of happiness ensures that American citizens have the capacity to acquire happiness in whatever way they like without interfering with other people’s rights. Common good entails that people have the motivation and commitment to enhance the interest of the society and to cooperate with others for the advantage of everyone. The constitution also indicates that citizens should be treated identically in the sharing of burdens and benefits of the community. The constitution also promotes equality. It asserts that all citizens should have equal opportunities and rights and should not be deprived of these privileges unless it is by law. Finally, it also emphasizes truth. People can rightfully demand to be given or told the truth by the various organs of the state (Collier, & Collier, 1999). Question 4 The constitution convention in the year 1787 contributed to the creation of the American constitution. The meeting that took place in 1787, in Philadelphia developed the document that has made the United States one of the most admired and stable democracies in the entire universe. Fifty five representatives from twelve states attended different sections of the convention. The convention meetings were private to the press and citizens. The deals reached in this meeting illustrated the values of the country. The convention took place in three stages. The first established the primary components of the national administration. The second stage developed the constitutional draft. Finally, the third phase discussed the remaining issues and the eventual signing of the constitution (Collier, & Collier, 1999). Question 5 There are a number of cultural periods that may have inspired it ultimate development. The period of focus on individual liberty was one of the times that inspired the ultimate development of the constitution. Coming from a period of oppression, the people of America were focused on safeguarding freedom in the new world. During this cultural period, the makers of the constitution were cautious to safeguard the rights of all people by controlling the authority of both the state and national administrations. Consequently, Americans can live a free life without fear of being oppressed. Also, the cultural period when the declaration of independence was made contributed to the constitution’s development. The constitution asserts that all individuals are equal before the law (Bjornlund, 2000). This has led to its adaptation and use among various individuals in their day to day undertaking. Question 6 The constitution may be passed to the coming generations by telling its significance to the children. This can be achieved by making them understand how essential the constitution is, this will assist them comprehend why the constitution should be passed to the next generation after theirs. The passing of the constitution to another generation requires the participation of all members of the society. This will ensure continuity and efficiency in passing the artifact to the next generation (Bjornlund, 2000). Question 7 There may be a number of amendments to suit the culture change. There may be a change of rules regarding the issue of gun ownership and its use. This is because people, especially the youth, are using guns to harm others instead of for protection. Therefore, access to guns may be limited in the future. The constitution may also undergo changes to incorporate rights for all regardless of their sexual orientation, age, gender, or race (Banks, 2001). Conclusion The United States constitution is the most appropriate artifact the highlights the American culture. This is because the document has taken on the responsibility as the outline for the development of the country’s administration and daily happenings. The constitution directs the country’s culture and law. Lastly, this artifact has had a tremendous effect globally on subsequent constitutions (Sayre, 2013). References Banks, J. (2001). The U.S. constitution. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers. Bjornlund, L. D. (2000). The constitution and the founding of America. California: Lucent Books. Collier, C., & Collier, J. L. (1999). Creating the constitution, 1787. New York: Benchmark Books. Sayre, H. M. (2013). Discovering the humanities (2nd ed.). New Jersey: Pearson Education Incorporation.  Read More