The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the United States of America. It was originally drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788, becoming operational in 1789. The Constitution establishes the foundational framework and structure of the federal government, organizing it into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. It embodies principles including separation of powers, federalism, republicanism, and individual rights. The Constitution consists of four main parts:
- The Preamble: An introductory statement that outlines the purposes of the Constitution, famously beginning with "We the People."
- Seven Articles: These set forth the structure of government, detailing the powers and responsibilities of each branch and other key elements.
- Amendments: There are 27 amendments, including the first 10 known as the Bill of Rights, which protect individual liberties and limit governmental power.
- An untitled closing endorsement with signatures of the framers.
The Preamble states the broad goals of the government such as establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting general welfare, and securing liberty for current and future generations. The Constitution is often called a "living document" because it allows for amendments to adapt to changing times while maintaining the core principles that govern the nation. In essence, the U.S. Constitution is the foundation of federal law and government, structuring power and guaranteeing rights for citizens of the United States. It has been amended 27 times to address civil rights, voting rights, government procedures, and other evolving national issues.
