Introduction
The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the United States of America. It outlines the national framework of government and guarantees certain fundamental rights to its citizens. Drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788, it remains a foundational document shaping American democracy.
Preamble
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
Articles
The Constitution consists of seven Articles which lay out the structure and powers of the government:
- Article I: Legislative Branch
- Article II: Executive Branch
- Article III: Judicial Branch
- Article IV: States' Powers and Limits
- Article V: Amendment Process
- Article VI: Federal Power and Supremacy
- Article VII: Ratification
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were added in 1791 to guarantee essential freedoms and rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, the right to bear arms, and protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
For more details, visit National Archives - Bill of Rights .