ThePreamble states the purposes of the Constitution: to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, 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 are:
Article I – The Legislative Branch: Creates the Congress of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Defines the powers and responsibilities of Congress, including the power to make laws, declare war, and approve treaties.
Article II – The Executive Branch: Creates the office of the President of the United States, who is both the head of state and the head of government. Defines the powers and responsibilities of the President, including the power to enforce laws, command the armed forces, and make treaties.
Article III – The Judicial Branch: Creates the Supreme Court of the United States and defines the powers and responsibilities of the federal judiciary. Establishes the principle of judicial review, allowing the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.
Article IV – Relations Among the States: Defines the relationship between the federal government and the states. Guarantees that each state will give full faith and credit to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. Prohibits states from entering into certain agreements or alliances without the consent of Congress.
Article V – Amending the Constitution: Establishes the process for amending the Constitution. Amendments must be proposed by two-thirds of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, or by a national convention called by Congress at the request of two-thirds of the states. Amendments must then be ratified by three-fourths of the states.
Article VI – Miscellaneous Provisions: Establishes the supremacy of the Constitution over all other laws. Requires all federal officials to take an oath to support the Constitution. Prohibits religious tests for public office.
Article VII – Ratification: Sets forth the conditions for ratification of the Constitution. The Constitution became effective when it was ratified by nine states.
The 27 amendments to the Constitution address a wide range of issues, including civil rights, voting rights, freedom of speech, and the structure of the federal government.