A constitution is an official, written set of rules governing the government of a nation or an organization. It is often a brief statement of national principles, but it can also be an extremely detailed plan for governmental operation. The framers of the United States Constitution consciously shaped it to assiduously diffuse centralized power and protect against a single person or group becoming too powerful.
The Constitution defines the duties and powers of the Federal government, and of the States within the Union. It assigns responsibility for making laws to Congress, which is divided into two parts, or “Houses,” called the Senate and the House of Representatives. It creates a system for electing the President and details his or her eligibility, establishing rules for the counting of votes (including slaves), term length and more.
The Constitution defines a limited number of fundamental rights and guarantees, which are known as the Bill of Rights. It also lays down the conditions for ratification of the Constitution by the States. It requires that any State wishing to adopt the Constitution must hold a convention, or a special assembly of its citizens, to debate and vote on it. It further requires that any ratification must be approved by nine of the states in order for the Constitution to take effect. It also requires that any State wishing to make any changes in its Constitution must first obtain the consent of the Congress. It finally establishes a method for addressing any disputes that may arise over the interpretation or application of the Constitution.
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