The Preamble explains the purpose of the Constitution and power of the
government as originating from the people of the United States indicated by the first three words, "We the People."
The Constitution is divided into 7 articles on different topics. Each article is divided into more sections.
Article I deals with the legislative branch of government.
Article II concerns the executive branch of government.
Article III establishes the Supreme Court as the highest judicial power in the United States.
Article IV defines the relationship between the statesArticle V describes the procedure for amending the Constitution.
Article VI declares itself, the Constitution, as "the supreme Law of the Land".
Article VII ratifies the Constitution.
There have been 27 amendments to the Constitution:
The first 10 amendments, the Bill of Rights, guarantee fundamental
rights of individuals, including freedom of religion, speech, press,
assembly, speedy jury trial in criminal cases, right to bear arms,
protection against excessive bail, and cruel and unusual punishment.
Amendments 11 through 27 address issues relating to lawsuits brought
against states, the electoral vote, prohibition of slavery, equal
protection, voting rights, creation of the federal income tax, popular
election, prohibition, and term limits.
