Intent and Meaning

What does the U.S. Constitution mean?

US Constitution on Parchment paper on isolated white

The Constitution is the document that states the country's principles and laws. It is the supreme law in America.

US Constitution with quill pen, ink, glasses, candle and flag with thirteen stars

What is the intent of the U.S. Constitution? Click on each number to learn the three answers to this question.

	The Constitution establishes the government as three branches--executive, legislative, and judiciary--with checks and balances among them.
	The Constitution separates the powers of the states and the federal government.
	The Constitution protects the freedoms of each U.S. citizen.

How is the Constitution organized? Click on the image below to reveal the word.

A _ t _ c _ e _

US Constitution document, showing Article 1

The Constitution is organized into seven articles. Click on each Roman numeral to read what each article is about.

	Legislative Power
	Executive Power
	Judicial Power
	States' Powers and Limits
	Amendments
	Federal Power
	Ratification

Amendments - Gold text on black background

There are currently 27 amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The first 10 amendments are called the Bill of Rights. The last amendment was made in 1992.