About The Oldest Democracy
The United States, born in Philadelphia, PA is the oldest democracy in the world
The oldest democracy in the world is the United States of America. It was officially created when The United States Constitution was written in 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Based on the date of the constitution, which is still in place, the United States is the oldest democracy in the world.
The World Economic Forum describes the United States as the only one country with continuous democracy for more than 200 years. American Academy of Arts & Sciences recognizes the United States as the world’s oldest constitutional democracy. Bard College Berlin defines the United States as the world’s oldest modern democracy.
The Constitution was drafted at the Constitutional Convention, which took place at Independence Hall in Philadelphia from May 25 to September 17, 1787. The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787 and written by 55 delegates. The delegates were led by nationalists including George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, James Wilson, and John Jay.
The delegates were originally called to amend the Articles of Confederation, the country's first written constitution. The Constitution was ratified in 1788 and has been in operation since 1789. It is the world's longest surviving written charter of government. The Constitution is the foundation of the U.S. Federal Government comprising a preamble, seven articles and 27 amendments (last addition in 1992).
Its first three words – “We The People” – affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens. The supremacy of the people through their elected representatives is recognized in Article I, which creates a Congress consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives.
The positioning of Congress at the beginning of the Constitution affirms its status as the “First Branch” of the federal government. The United States has a diverse range of geographic features, including mountains, plains, deserts, and coastlines. Major mountain ranges include the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains, while the Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the world.
The U.S. is known for its cultural diversity, often described as a "melting pot" due to the blending of various ethnicities, cultures, and traditions. People from all over the world have immigrated to the United States, contributing to its rich cultural tapestry.
