The United States of America was among the first countries to enact a written constitution in the world. The US constitution, which was enacted in 1787, is the supreme law of United States and binds all states and state’s organs together. Article four and six of the United States Constitution creates the doctrine of federalism from which the fifty states draw their power and legitimacy.
The Sixth Amendment of the US Constitution is remarkably similar to Article six of Maine State Constitution. They both state what the rights of accused persons are. The US constitution in the Sixth Amendment states that in all criminal prosecutions, an accused person shall enjoy the right to a speedy trial by an impartial jury. He or she shall be informed of his accusation. It further states that an accused person shall be confronted by witnesses against him or her in a court of law. The Maine State constitution similarly emphasizes on the right of the accused persons to be tried by an impartial jury. Both constitutions confer the accused with the right to be represented by a counsel.
Section 8 of the Miami State Constitution corresponds with the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Both prohibit double jeopardy of life or limb. Both constitutions expressly points out that, on proof of a previous conviction, a person shall not be convicted twice for the same offence. The same applies if the accused was acquitted before in a court of competent jurisdiction. These two provisions ensure that the court processes are not abused by the state and people’s rights are not subjugated by the court process.
The Constitution of United States of America and Miami State Constitution are similar in many ways. The Miami State Constitution heavily derives from the US Constitution. They both advocate for the respect for human rights and most importantly, the rule of law and democratic governance.
Work Cited
Weisberg, Herbert. Political Science: The Science of Politics. New York: Algora Publishing, 2009.
