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

Quick answer

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

The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework of the federal government and defining its powers. It consists of a Preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. The first three articles create the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, while the remaining articles address the relationship between states and the federal government, the supremacy of federal law, and the amendment and ratification processes. The first 10 amendments are collectively known as the Bill of Rights.

Answer details

1

Government Structure

The first three articles establish the legislative branch (Congress), the executive branch (President), and the judicial branch (Supreme Court and lower courts).

2

Federalism and Supremacy

Articles IV through VII define the relationship between states and the federal government, establish federal law as supreme, and outline the processes for amending and ratifying the document.

3

Amendments

The Constitution has been amended 27 times, with the first 10 amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, added shortly after its ratification.

4

Historical Context

Signed in 1787 and effective since 1789, it is the world's longest-surviving written charter of government.

archives.gov

The Constitution: What Does it Say? | National Archives

The Constitution of the United States contains a preamble and seven articles that describe the way the government is structured and how it operates. The first three articles establish the three branches of government and their powers: Legislative (Congress), Executive (office of the President,) and Judicial (Federal court system). A system of checks and balances prevents any one of these separate powers from becoming dominant. Articles four t

March 30, 2016

constitution.congress.gov

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

. Constitution | Constitution Annotated |....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

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

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

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

en.wikipedia.org

Constitution of the United States

| Constitution of...one of Jacob Shall...' officially engross...signed in Philadelphia by delegates of the...Convention in...| Jurisdiction...United States || Created | September 17, 1787 |...September 28, 1787 || Ratified | June 21, 1788 (9 of 13 states) || Date effective | March 4, 1789 (237 years ago) [a] [2] || System | Federal presidential republic || Government structure | || Branches | 3 || Chambers | Bicameral || Executive | President ||

Publication date not supplied

archives.gov

The Constitution of the United States

| National Archives...TopSkip...main contentThe U.S. National Archives Home...Citizen Archivists ·Bookmark/Share·...SearchAmerica'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, promo

February 6, 2026

constitutioncenter.org

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

The United States Constitution...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....To lay and..., Imposts...ises, to pay the...The executive Power shall be vested in a

Publication date not supplied

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