The Constitution is divided into seven articles on different topics. Each article is further divided into sections.
The Preamble explains the purposes of the Constitution, and defines the powers of the new government as originating from the people of the United States:
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.
There have been 27 amendments to the Constitution:
View some of the original documents: