The Constitution of the United States of America is the supreme law of the United States. It is the foundation and source of the legal authority underlying the existence of the United States of America and the federal government of the United States. It provides the framework for the organization of the United States government and for the relationship of the federal government to the states, to citizens, and to all people within the United States.

The United States Constitution is the shortest and oldest written constitution still in use by any nation in the world today.

• Created on September 17, 1787

• Ratified on June 21, 1788.

• Entered into force on March 4, 1789, when George Washington became the country’s first president.

The Constitution consists of a preamble, seven original articles, amendments, and a paragraph certifying its enactment by the constitutional convention.

Preamble: Statement of purpose

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.

Articles of the Constitution

Article 1: Legislative power.Article Two: Executive powerArticle Three: Judicial powerArticle Four: States' powers and

limitsArticle Five: AmendmentsArticle Six: Federal powerArticle Seven: Ratification

The US Constitution is considered a living document for 2 main reasons:

1. It can be amended (changed). There have been 27 ratified amendments by now.

2. Its basic principles can be applied and interpreted differently at different times.

To successfully amend the constitution requires:1.A proposal by a 2/3 vote of each house of

Congress (26 amendments).2.A national convention called for at the request

of the legislatures of 2/3 of the states (1 amendment).

The first 10 amendements are known as the Bill of Rights, which places limits on the federal government power to reduce individual freedoms. It was adopted in 1781.

Some of the amendments are:

1. Addresses the rights of freedom of religion (prohibiting Congress from establishing a religion and protecting the right to free exercise of religion), freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and freedom of petition.

2. The right to keep and bear arms, 1791

3. No quartering of soldiers in private houses during time of peace or war, 1781

The principle of limited government is basic to the constitution. It means absence of opportunities of power concentration by few people. It is realized through 3 features:

1.The federal organization of government (division of powers between the central government and the states).

2.The separation of powers among different branches of government.

3.The system of checks and balances.

Several academics have criticized the Constitution for specific shortcomings. University of Virginia professor Larry Sabato wants an amendment to organize primaries to prevent a "frontloaded calendar" long before the election to prevent a "race by states to the front of the primary pack" which subverts the national interest, in his view.