Results for “what is the constitution of the united states” · retrieved September 22, 2026

Quick answer

The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, establishing the foundational framework and powers of the federal government.

The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, serving as the nation's foundational charter of government. Drafted in 1787 and effective since 1789, it established a federal presidential republic with a separation of powers among three branches: the legislative (Congress), the executive (President), and the judicial (Supreme Court and inferior courts). It consists of a Preamble, seven articles defining the government's framework, and 27 amendments, the first 10 of which are known as the Bill of Rights. The document outlines the powers of the federal government, the rights and responsibilities of states, and the process for its own amendment.

Answer details

1

Structure and Framework

The Constitution is organized into a Preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. The first three articles establish the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.

2

History and Origins

It was drafted by delegates at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, ratified in 1788, and has been in operation since March 4, 1789, replacing the Articles of Confederation.

3

Core Principles

The document embodies the principle of separation of powers and federalism, defining the relationship between the federal government and the states.

4

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments, ratified in 1791, are collectively known as the Bill of Rights and protect fundamental individual liberties.

constitution.congress.gov

U.S. Constitution | Constitution Annotated | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

| Congress.gov |...We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, 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....All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall

Publication date not supplied

archives.gov

The Constitution of the United States: A Transcription | National Archives

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, 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....All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a S

November 4, 2015

senate.gov

U.S. Senate: Constitution of the United States

Written in 1787, ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789, the United States Constitution is the world’s longest surviving written charter of government. 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 Representative

Publication date not supplied

constitutioncenter.org

The U.S. Constitution

Beginning with the words “We the People,” the U.S. Constitution is composed of the Preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights....Preamble...The famous first 52 words of the Constitution introduce the articles and amendments that follow. Read the Preamble...The seven articles make up the structural constitution, signed on September 17, 1787, and ratified on June 21, 1788....There have be

Publication date not supplied

constitutioncenter.org

Full Text of the U.S. Constitution | Constitution Center

The United...We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, 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....All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall con

Publication date not supplied

archives.gov

Constitution of the United States (1787) | National Archives

Drafted in secret by delegates to the Constitutional Convention during the summer of 1787, this four-page document, signed on September 17, 1787, established the government of the United States....The Federal Convention convened in the State House (Independence Hall) in Philadelphia on May 14, 1787, to revise the Articles of Confederation. Because the delegations from only two states were at first present, the members adjourned from day to day un

May 18, 2021

en.wikipedia.org

Constitution of the United States

| Constitution of the United States | || --- | --- || Page one of Jacob Shallus' officially engrossed copy of the Constitution signed in Philadelphia by delegates of the Constitutional Convention in 1787 [1] | || Overview | || Jurisdiction | United States || Created | September 17, 1787 || Presented | September 28, 1787 || Ratified | June 21, 1788 (9 of 13 states) || Date effective | March 4, 1789 (237 years ago) [a] [2] || System | Federal presi

Publication date not supplied

archives.gov

The Constitution of the United States

The U.S. National Archives Home...Citizen Archivists...America's Founding DocumentsHome > America's Founding Documents > Constitution of the United StatesNational Archives LogoThe Constitution of the United States*> We the People> of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ours

February 6, 2026

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