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The framework of American democracy, explained in plain English.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
In plain English
We, the citizens of this country, are creating a government that will keep the peace, protect everyone fairly, defend the nation, improve life for all of us, and guarantee freedom for us and every generation that follows.
The original Constitution is organized into seven articles. Click any article to learn what it does.
The Constitution has been amended 27 times. Here are the amendments that shape everyday American life the most.
1st Amendment in action
See how lobby spending and advocacy groups exercise their petition rights.
Lobby Explorer14th Amendment in action
Compare how different states protect civil rights and liberties.
State ScorecardsSeparation of Powers
See which branch is asserting influence with our polarization tracker.
Polarization MapThe Founders deliberately split government power into three co-equal branches so no single person or group could control everything.
Each branch can limit the others — that is the system of checks and balances.