United States Constitution: Home

The Constitution of the United States defines the structure of the U.S. legal system by allocating power and responsibility among the three branches of government: the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.  The Constitution consists of such fundamental principles as separation of power, checks and balances, and shared authority of federal and state governments. 

I. Preamble

As suggested by the introductory words "We the people," the Preamble of the Constitution establishes that the power of the government and originates from the people of the United States.

II. Articles

The Constitution is divided into seven articles on different topics. 

• Article I introduces the legislative branch of government
• Article II concerns the executive branch of government
• Article III establishes the Supreme Court as the highest judicial power
• Article IV defines the relationship between the federal government and the states
• Article V sets procedure for amending the Constitution
• Article VI declares that the Constitution is "the supreme Law of the Land"
• Artice VII ratifies the Constitution

III. Amendments

There have been twenty-seven amendments to the Constitution.

• Amendments 1 through 10, the Bill of Rights, guarantee freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, speedy jury trial in criminal cases, as well as protection against excessive bail, and cruel and unusual punishment.
• Amendments 11 through 27 address issues relating to lawsuits brought against states, the electoral vote, prohibition of slavery, equal protection, voting rights, creation of the federal income tax, popular election, prohibition, overturning of prohibition, and term limits. 

Christy, Howard Chandler. "Scene at the Signing of the Constitution." Oil painting (reproduction), 1940.