The U.S. Constitution is the "supreme law of the land." Written in 1787, it defines the structure of our government and the fundamental rights of all citizens. It is the shortest written constitution in the world, yet it has survived for over 230 years.
The Constitution begins with "We the People," signaling that the government's power comes from the citizens themselves, not from a king or a central authority.
The seven Articles of the Constitution layout how the government should work. They establish the three branches of government, the relationship between states, and the process for amending the document.
The first ten amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. They guarantee essential protections like freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to a fair trial, and protection against unreasonable searches.
The Constitution was designed to be difficult, but not impossible, to change. This allows it to adapt to a changing world while maintaining a stable foundation for our democracy. There have been 27 amendments in total.