The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the United States of America.

It was adopted on September 17, 1787, by the Constitutional Convention in

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and ratified by conventions in 11 states. It went into
effect on March 4, 1789, when the first Congress convened.

The Constitution is a foundational document that establishes the framework of the

federal government and outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the
government and its citizens. It consists of a preamble and seven articles:

1. **Preamble:** The preamble sets forth the purpose of the Constitution, which is
to establish a more perfect union, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the
common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to
ourselves and our posterity.

2. **Article I:** This article establishes the legislative branch of the federal
government, which is the U.S. Congress. It outlines the powers and responsibilities
of Congress, which includes making laws, levying taxes, and regulating commerce.

3. **Article II:** This article establishes the executive branch of the federal
government, headed by the President of the United States. It outlines the powers
and duties of the President and the Vice President.

4. **Article III:** This article establishes the judicial branch of the federal
government, which includes the Supreme Court and other federal courts. It outlines
the jurisdiction and authority of the federal judiciary.

5. **Article IV:** This article addresses the relationships between states and the
federal government, including the Full Faith and Credit Clause and the process for
admitting new states to the Union.

6. **Article V:** This article outlines the process for amending the Constitution,
recognizing that it may need to be changed or updated over time.

7. **Article VI:** This article contains the Supremacy Clause, which establishes
the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties as the supreme law of the land. It
also requires government officials to take an oath to support the Constitution.

8. **Article VII:** This article outlines the process for ratifying the
Constitution. It specifies that the Constitution would become effective once it was
ratified by conventions in nine of the thirteen states.

The Constitution also includes the first ten amendments, known as the Bill of
Rights, which guarantee various individual rights and protections against
government intrusion.

The United States Constitution has been amended 27 times since its adoption, with
the most recent amendment ratified in 1992. It serves as the fundamental legal
document that governs the United States and is considered one of the oldest written
national constitutions still in use.