from the Library of Congress, the first ten amendments to the Constitution
The U.S. Constitution, which was written in 1787 and ratified in 1789, is the oldest national Constitution still in use. In the United States it is the highest law of the land and it provides the framework for the government. The Constitution establishes the structure and powers of the government as well as individual rights. The United States is considered a constitutional government because it requires everyone, regardless of position or office, to abide by the law."
Constitution Day is celebrated as a remembrance of the formation and signing of our Constitution by thirty-nine men on September 17, 1787.
"In 2004, Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia included key provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2005 designating September 17th of each year as Constitution Day and requiring public schools and governmental offices to provide educational programs to promote a better understanding of the Constitution." (U.S. Senate history page)
Preamble
This introduction describes the purpose of the document and the government.
Articles
There are seven articles. They establish the structure and function of government. Article III establishes the judicial branch. The articles also spell out how the Constitution can be changed.
Amendments
These are changes to the Constitution. There are 27 Amendments. The first 10 are the Bill of Rights.
(from http://www.uscourts.gov)
