🖋️ What Is the US Constitution?
5th Grade 🗽 US History
The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States. It sets up the government and protects people’s rights.
Written in 1787
Delegates met in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787 and wrote the Constitution. It went into effect in 1789. George Washington led the meeting, and James Madison is called the "Father of the Constitution."
Three branches
It splits power among three branches so no one gets too much: Congress makes the laws, the President carries them out, and the courts decide what the laws mean. This is called checks and balances.
The Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments (changes), added in 1791, are the Bill of Rights. They protect freedom of speech, freedom of religion, a free press and more. Today the Constitution has 27 amendments.
Quick quiz
How many branches of government does the Constitution create?
What are the first ten amendments called?
Which branch makes the laws?