The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the United States and serves

as the framework for the country's government. It was adopted on September 17,
1787, by the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and ratified
by conventions in eleven states, making it effective on March 4, 1789. It is the
oldest written national constitution that is still in use.

The Constitution consists of a preamble and seven articles. The preamble sets out
the purpose of the Constitution, which is to establish a more perfect union, ensure
justice, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure
the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

The seven articles of the Constitution outline the structure and powers of the
federal government. Here is a brief summary of each article:

1. Article I: The Legislative Branch - This article establishes the U.S. Congress,
which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It outlines the
powers and responsibilities of Congress.

2. Article II: The Executive Branch - This article establishes the presidency and
outlines the powers and duties of the President of the United States.

3. Article III: The Judicial Branch - This article establishes the federal
judiciary, including the Supreme Court, and outlines the jurisdiction and powers of
the federal courts.

4. Article IV: The States - This article discusses the relationships between states
and the federal government, including the Full Faith and Credit Clause, which
requires states to respect the laws and judicial decisions of other states.

5. Article V: Amendments - This article outlines the process for amending the
Constitution, making it a flexible document that can adapt to changing
circumstances.

6. Article VI: The Supremacy Clause - This article establishes the Constitution as
the supreme law of the land and requires government officials to take an oath to
support it.

7. Article VII: Ratification - This article outlines the process by which the
Constitution would be ratified by the states.

The Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution, was added shortly
after the Constitution's ratification to guarantee certain fundamental rights and
freedoms to the American people.

The U.S. Constitution has been amended 27 times since its ratification, reflecting
the changing needs and values of the American people. It has served as a model for
numerous other countries' constitutions and is a foundational document in American
political and legal history.