Constitution Described

The U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1788, is the supreme law of the land, establishing how the federal government is structured and how it protects citizens' rights. It is organized into three main sections: the Preamble, the Articles, and the Amendments. 

1. The Preamble (The Mission Statement)

The Preamble is the 52-word introduction that explains the goals of the new government. It begins with the famous phrase "We the People," signaling that the government's power comes from its citizens rather than a king or individual ruler. 

2. The Seven Articles (The Rulebook)

These articles define the framework of the government and the balance of power: 

• Article I: Legislative Branch. Creates Congress (Senate and House of Representatives) to make laws.
• Article II: Executive Branch. Establishes the Presidency to enforce laws.
• Article III: Judicial Branch. Creates the Supreme Court and lower courts to interpret laws.
• Article IV: The States. Explains how states must interact with each other and the federal government.
• Article V: The Amendment Process. Sets the rules for how the Constitution can be changed.
• Article VI: Supremacy Clause. Establishes the Constitution as the "highest law" in the country.
• Article VII: Ratification. Detailed how the document was to be officially approved. 

3. The 27 Amendments (The Updates)

Amendments are additions or changes made since 1787 to keep the document relevant. 

• The Bill of Rights: The first 10 amendments, which guarantee individual liberties like freedom of speech and the right to a fair trial.
• Later Amendments: These have addressed major societal shifts, such as ending slavery (13th), granting women the right to vote (19th), and lowering the voting age to 18 (26th).