Overview of the Constitution

The United States Constitution is the oldest written national constitution still in effect. Ratified in 1788, it established the framework for American government and remains the supreme law of the land.

The Constitutional Convention

In 1787, delegates from 12 of the 13 states gathered in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation. Instead, they drafted an entirely new Constitution. Key figures included James Madison (the "Father of the Constitution"), Alexander Hamilton, and Benjamin Franklin.

Structure of the Constitution

The Constitution contains seven original Articles:

Article I — establishes Congress (legislative branch)

Article II — establishes the President (executive branch)

Article III — establishes the federal judiciary

Article IV — addresses relations between states

Article V — outlines the amendment process

Article VI — contains the Supremacy Clause (federal law is the supreme law)

Article VII — describes the ratification process

The Amendment Process

The Constitution can be amended through two methods:

1. Two-thirds vote of both chambers of Congress, followed by ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures

2. A constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures (never used)

There are currently 27 amendments to the Constitution.

Key Constitutional Principles

Federalism — power is divided between federal and state governments

Separation of powers — government authority is split among three branches

Checks and balances — each branch can limit the others

Popular sovereignty — government power derives from the people

Limited government — government can only exercise powers granted by the Constitution

The Living Document Debate

Legal scholars debate whether the Constitution should be interpreted according to its original meaning (originalism) or as a living document that evolves with society. This debate shapes major Supreme Court decisions on issues from gun rights to privacy.

Overview of the Constitution