United States Constitution
Overview
 
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the United States of America. It is the framework for the organization of the United States government
Federal government of the United States
The federal government of the United States is the national government of the constitutional republic of fifty states that is the United States of America. The federal government comprises three distinct branches of government: a legislative, an executive and a judiciary. These branches and...

 and for the relationship of the federal government with the states, citizens, and all people within the United States.

The first three Articles of the Constitution establish the three branches of the national government: a legislature, the bicameral
Bicameralism
In the government, bicameralism is the practice of having two legislative or parliamentary chambers. Thus, a bicameral parliament or bicameral legislature is a legislature which consists of two chambers or houses....

 Congress; an executive branch led by the President
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....

; and a judicial branch headed by the Supreme Court
Supreme Court of the United States
The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the United States. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all state and federal courts, and original jurisdiction over a small range of cases...

.
Timeline

1787    In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, delegates convene a Constitutional Convention to write a new Constitution for the United States; George Washington presides.

1787    Sixty proof sheets of the Constitution of the United States are delivered to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.

1787    The United States Constitution is signed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1787    The newly completed United States Constitution is voted on by the U.S. Congress to be sent to the state legislatures for approval.

1787    Delaware becomes the first state to ratify the United States Constitution.

1787    Pennsylvania becomes the second state to ratify the United States Constitution five days after Delaware became the first.

1787    New Jersey becomes the third state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

1788    Georgia becomes the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution

1788    Massachusetts becomes the sixth state to ratify the United States Constitution.

1788    Virginia becomes the 10th state to ratify the United States Constitution.

Quotations

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, 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.

Preamble to the United States Constitution|Preamble

The President, Vice-President, and all civil officers of the United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.

Article Two of the United States Constitution |Article II, sec. 4

Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on the confession in open court.

Article Three of the United States Constitution|Article III, sec. 3

This Constitution, and the laws of the United States, which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be Supreme Law of the land; and the judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any thing in the Constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding.

Article Six of the United States Constitution|Article VI, sec. 2

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

First Amendment to the United States Constitution|First Amendment (1791)

A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

Second Amendment to the United States Constitution|Second Amendment (1791)

The right of the people to be secure... against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause.

Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution|Fourth Amendment (1791)

Nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.

Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution|Fifth Amendment (1791)

 
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