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United States Constitution

Ratified in 1788, the Constitution is the supreme law of the United States. It has been amended 27 times.

Articles

Article I: The Legislative Branch

Establishes Congress (Senate and House of Representatives) and defines its powers.

Article II: The Executive Branch

Establishes the presidency and defines executive powers.

Article III: The Judicial Branch

Establishes the Supreme Court and federal judiciary.

Article IV: The States

Defines relations between states and between states and the federal government.

Article V: Amendments

Describes the process for amending the Constitution.

Article VI: Debts, Supremacy, Oaths

Establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.

Article VII: Ratification

Defines the ratification process for the Constitution.

Key Amendments

1st Amendment: Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, Petition

1791

2nd Amendment: Right to Bear Arms

1791

4th Amendment: Search and Seizure

1791

5th Amendment: Due Process, Double Jeopardy, Self-Incrimination

1791

13th Amendment: Abolition of Slavery

1865

14th Amendment: Equal Protection, Due Process

1868

15th Amendment: Voting Rights (Race)

1870

19th Amendment: Women's Suffrage

1920

26th Amendment: Voting Age (18)

1971