Article I
The Legislative Branch
Congress makes the laws
Article I creates Congress and gives it the power to make federal laws. Congress has two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Founding Document
The U.S. Constitution
Written in 1787 and in force since 1789, the supreme law of the United States, rewritten here in plain, modern English so anyone can read and understand it.
What is the Constitution?
The U.S. Constitution is the founding document of the American government. It defines the structure of the three branches of government, establishes the limits of federal power, and protects the fundamental rights of every citizen. It has been amended 27 times since it was ratified in 1788.
The plain English summaries below capture the meaning and intent of each section. To read the original text exactly as written by the Founders, use the links below.
Preamble, The Opening Statement
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, 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."
Plain English
We, the people of the United States, are creating this Constitution to build a better country, one with fair laws and justice, peace at home, a strong national defense, well-being for all citizens, and freedom for ourselves and every generation that comes after us.
Article II
The Executive Branch
The President carries out the laws
Article II creates the Presidency and defines the executive power of the United States. The President serves a four-year term and is responsible for enforcing federal law.
Article III
The Judicial Branch
The courts interpret the laws
Article III creates the federal court system, headed by the Supreme Court. Federal judges serve for life, so long as they maintain good behavior.
Article IV
The States
How states relate to each other and the nation
Article IV defines the relationship between the individual states, and between the states and the federal government.
Article V
Amending the Constitution
How the Constitution can be changed
Article V sets out the process for amending the Constitution. The process is intentionally difficult, requiring broad national agreement.
Article VI
Supremacy and Oaths
The Constitution is the highest law in the land
Article VI establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the United States and requires all government officials to uphold it.
Article VII
Ratification
How the Constitution was approved
Article VII explained how the new Constitution would officially take effect.
Amendment Groups
Bill of RightsEarly AmendmentsCivil War AmendmentsProgressive EraMid-20th CenturyModern Era
Bill of Rights
10 amendments1st Amendment• Ratified 1791
Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly & Petition
2nd Amendment• Ratified 1791
Right to Keep and Bear Arms
3rd Amendment• Ratified 1791
Quartering of Soldiers
4th Amendment• Ratified 1791
Search and Seizure
5th Amendment• Ratified 1791
Rights of the Accused
6th Amendment• Ratified 1791
Right to a Fair Trial
7th Amendment• Ratified 1791
Civil Trial Rights
8th Amendment• Ratified 1791
Limits on Punishment
9th Amendment• Ratified 1791
Rights Retained by the People
10th Amendment• Ratified 1791
Powers Reserved to States and the People
Early Amendments
2 amendments11th Amendment• Ratified 1795
Limits on Suing States in Federal Court
12th Amendment• Ratified 1804
Electoral College Reform
Civil War Amendments
3 amendments13th Amendment• Ratified 1865
Abolition of Slavery
14th Amendment• Ratified 1868
Citizenship, Due Process & Equal Protection
15th Amendment• Ratified 1870
Voting Rights: Race
Progressive Era
4 amendments16th Amendment• Ratified 1913
Federal Income Tax
17th Amendment• Ratified 1913
Direct Election of Senators
18th Amendment• Ratified 1919
Prohibition of Alcohol
19th Amendment• Ratified 1920
Women's Right to Vote
Mid-20th Century
3 amendments20th Amendment• Ratified 1933
Presidential and Congressional Terms
21st Amendment• Ratified 1933
Repeal of Prohibition
22nd Amendment• Ratified 1951
Presidential Term Limits
Modern Era
5 amendments23rd Amendment• Ratified 1961
Electoral Votes for Washington D.C.
24th Amendment• Ratified 1964
Abolition of Poll Taxes
25th Amendment• Ratified 1967
Presidential Succession and Disability
26th Amendment• Ratified 1971
Voting Age Lowered to 18
27th Amendment• Ratified 1992
Congressional Pay
Want to read every word exactly as the Founders wrote it? Download the official PDF →