The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the United States and a landmark document of the Western world1. Here’s an overview:
The Constitution was written in the summer of 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by delegates from 12 states.
It was signed on September 17, 1787, by delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
The Constitution established America’s national government and fundamental laws, and guaranteed certain basic rights for its citizens.
It was created to replace the Articles of Confederation, the country’s first written constitution.
The Constitution outlines the powers and duties of the federal government, including the three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
It also includes a system of checks and balances to ensure no single branch would have too much power.
The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution outlines the Constitution’s purpose and guiding principles.
The Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments guaranteeing basic individual protections such as freedom of speech and religion, became part of the Constitution in 1791.
To date, there are 27 constitutional amendments.
This document has guided the United States for over two centuries, shaping the nation’s governance and guaranteeing rights for its citizens.