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
Congress; an executive branch led by the President
; and a judicial branch headed by the Supreme Court
.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.