description U.S. Constitution Overview
The U.S. Constitution is a foundational historical artifact created in 1787. It outlines the structure and powers of the United States federal government. This document remains the supreme law of the land, providing the basis for American legal and political systems.
It is crucial for lawyers, historians, students, and anyone interested in understanding the principles governing the nation.
help U.S. Constitution FAQ
How many original copies of the signed U.S. Constitution exist?
There is one engrossed parchment Constitution signed in Philadelphia in 1787. It is preserved by the U.S. National Archives in Washington, D.C.
Who signed the Constitution, and who refused?
Thirty-nine delegates signed the document on September 17, 1787, with George Washington signing as convention president. George Mason, Edmund Randolph, and Elbridge Gerry attended the convention but declined to sign.
Was the Bill of Rights part of the original Constitution?
No. The first ten amendments were proposed by Congress in 1789 and ratified in 1791, partly in response to demands for explicit protections of individual liberties.
How did the Constitution become law after the Philadelphia Convention?
Article VII required ratification by conventions in nine states. New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify in 1788, and the new federal government began operating in 1789.
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