The United States Constitution, ratified in 1788, serves as the supreme law of the land, providing the

framework for the country's government and outlining the rights of its citizens. This foundational
document establishes the three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—
ensuring a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
The Constitution delineates the powers and responsibilities of each branch, with the President as the
head of the executive branch, Congress as the legislative body, and the Supreme Court as the
highest judicial authority.

Central to the Constitution are the principles of federalism, which delineate the division of powers
between the federal government and state governments. Additionally, the Constitution guarantees
fundamental rights and freedoms through the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments that protect
individual liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and due process. The Constitution remains a
dynamic document, amended over time to reflect societal changes while maintaining the principles
of democracy and the rule of law.