Learn about the text, history, and meaning of the U.S. Constitution from leading scholars of diverse legal and philosophical perspectives.
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.