The United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Amendments
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the United States of America. It superseded the Articles of Confederation, the nation's first constitution, in 1789. Originally comprising seven articles, it delineates the national frame and constraints of government. There have been 27 amendments to the Constitution, beginning with the Bill of Rights, which constitute the first 10 amendments. All the laws and the governance of the United States flows from the U.S. Constitution, the center of gravity for U.S. government and politics, and a model for governments worldwide.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, 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.”
Foundational Documents
Click on the thumbnails below for fabulous resources on each of the 9 Foundational Documents.
Each includes an introduction to the document, the primary source, and a blank rubric for students as well as a completed teachers version.
