Beginning with the words “We the People,” the U.S. Constitution is composed of the Preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights.
In our Interactive Constitution, learn about the text, history, and meaning of the U.S. Constitution from leading scholars of diverse legal and philosophical perspectives.
We selected two scholars for each clause with guidance from the American Constitution Society and the Federalist Society—America’s leading legal organizations representing different perspectives on the Constitution. These experts explore areas of agreement and disagreement about the Constitution’s text and history, how it’s been interpreted over time, and what it means today.
Learn more about the Interactive Constitution
Check out this essay to see where our scholars agree and found common ground.
Explore these essays to see interpretations based on their divergent viewpoints.
The famous first 52 words of the Constitution introduce the articles and amendments that follow.
Read the PreambleThe seven articles make up the structural constitution, signed on September 17, 1787, and ratified on June 21, 1788.
There have been 27 amendments to the Constitution, beginning with the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments, ratified December 15, 1791.