The codified constitution that defines and explains the function of
government of the United States. It was written in 1787, ratified in 1788, and entered into force in 1789. It has been amended a total of 27 times, and the first ten amendments are the Bill of Rights, which
define rights for all citizens of the United States.
The constitution listed out many concepts that have allowed the United States to stand the test of
time, and many these concepts have been adopted into other countries constitutions. These include popular sovereignty, separation of powers, individual rights, limited
government, checks and balances, and representative
democracy.
Along with these concepts, the constitution also defined the limits of the federal government, and the powers that the state government. It should be noted that when the constitution was written, the States of the United States were considered more as countries unified under a federal government, somewhat like the United Kingdom of today. Therefore, the founders took great liberties ensuring a balance between the State government, Federal government, and the
people themselves.
*The following is a fictional scenario used to demonstrate the usage of the term:
U.S. Constitution. Any reference to a person: living or dead (living being defined as someone living on December 27th,
2020 or thereafter, and dead being those who died prior to this date and
time) is purely coincidental (although subconscious thoughts in ones
head about names
may potentially make it more likely to use a name that is regarded as belonging to a famous person).
Harry:
Wow John what is the codified document that defines the functions of the U.S. Government?
John: Why that would be the U.S. Constitution with 27 Amendments through 1992.