United States Constitution
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United States Constitution
The United States Constitution (pronunciation: /ˈjuːnaɪtɪd ˈsteɪts kɒnstɪˈtjuːʃən/) is the supreme law of the United States. It was adopted on September 17, 1787, by the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and later ratified by conventions in each U.S. state in the name of "The People".
Etymology
The term "constitution" comes from Latin constitutio, which referred to any important law. In the context of the United States, the "Constitution" specifically refers to the written document that forms the basis of the country's federal government.
Related Terms
- Articles of Confederation: The first constitution of the United States, replaced by the current Constitution in 1789.
- Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, outlining the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.
- Federalism: The system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, as established by the Constitution.
- Separation of Powers: The division of governmental responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent the concentration of power, as stipulated by the Constitution.
- Checks and Balances: A system that allows each branch of a government to amend or veto acts of another branch so as to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power, a principle central to the Constitution.
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