The Constitution of the United States comprises the primary law of the U.S. Federal Government. It also describes the three chief branches of the Federal Government and their jurisdictions. In addition, it lays out the basic rights of citizens of the United States.

The Constitution of the United States is the oldest Federal constitution in existence and was framed by a convention of delegates from twelve of the thirteen original states in Philadelphia in May 1787.

The Constitution was adopted by a convention of the States on September 17, 1787, and was subsequently ratified by the several States, on the following dates: Delaware, December 7, 1787; Pennsylvania, December 12, 1787; New Jersey, December 18, 1787; Georgia, January 2, 1788; Connecticut, January 9, 1788; Massachusetts, February 6, 1788; Maryland, April 28, 1788; South Carolina, May 23, 1788; New Hampshire, June 21, 1788.

Ratification was completed on June 21, 1788.

The Constitution was subsequently ratified by Virginia, June 25, 1788; New York, July 26, 1788; North Carolina, November 21, 1789; Rhode Island, May 29, 1790; and Vermont, January 10, 1791.

The Preamble

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

The Constitution of the United States of America

Article I :: The Legislative Branch

Article II :: The Presidency

Article III :: The Judiciary

Article IV :: The States

Article V :: The Amendment Process

Article VI :: Legal Status of the Constitution

Article VII :: Ratification

Signers

Amendments

The Bill of Rights :: Amendments I - X

# Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression
# Amendment 2 - Right to bear Arms
# Amendment 3 - Quartering of soldiers
# Amendment 4 - Search and Seizure
# Amendment 5 - Trial and Punishment, Compensation for Takings
# Amendment 6 - Right to speedy trial, confrontation of witnesses
# Amendment 7 - Trial by jury in civil cases
# Amendment 8 - Cruel and Unusual punishment
# Amendment 9 - Construction of Constitution
# Amendment 10 - Powers of the States and People

Amendments XI - XX

# Amendment 11 - Judicial Limits
# Amendment 12 - Choosing the President, Vice President
# Amendment 13 - Slavery Abolished
# Amendment 14 - Citizenship Rights
# Amendment 15 - Race no bar to vote
# Amendment 16 - Income Tax authorized
# Amendment 17 - Senators elected by popular vote
# Amendment 18 - Liquor abolished
# Amendment 19 - Women's suffrage
# Amendment 20 - Presidential, Congressional terms

Amendments XXI - XXVII

# Amendment 21 - Amendment 18 repealed
# Amendment 22 - Presidential Term Limits
# Amendment 23 - Presidential vote for District of Columbia
# Amendment 24 - Poll taxes barred
# Amendment 25 - Presidential disability and succession
# Amendment 26 - Voting age set to 18 years
# Amendment 27 - Congressional pay increases