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''For the full text of the U.S. Constitution, see [[Full Text of the United States Constitution]].''
''For the full text of the U.S. Constitution, see [[Full Text of the United States Constitution]].''
The '''United States Constitution''' is the supreme [[legal]] text that forms the framework of the current [[United States]] government. It was written by the [[Constitutional Convention]] of 1787 which debated many plans and compromises. After a heated debate all 13 states ratified it in 1788 and it started in operation in 1789, with [[George Washington]] the first president, as the first Congress met in new York City.
The '''United States Constitution''' is the supreme legal text that forms the framework of the current United States government. It was written by the [[Constitutional Convention]] of 1787 which debated many plans and compromises. The current Congress sent it to the 13 states; after heated debates all 13 states ratified it in 1788 and it started in operation in 1789, with [[George Washington]] the first president, as the first Congress met in New York City.
It superseded the [[Articles of Confederation]]. It is the oldest written constitution.<ref>http://www.constitutioncenter.org/explore/FastFacts/index.shtml</ref> Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17th.
It superseded the [[Articles of Confederation]]. It is the oldest written constitution.<ref>http://www.constitutioncenter.org/explore/FastFacts/index.shtml</ref> Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17th.
*Established on November 26, 1789, the first national "[[Thanksgiving|Thanksgiving Day]]" was originally created by George Washington as a way of "giving thanks" for the Constitution. <ref>http://www.constitutioncenter.org/explore/FastFacts/index.shtml</ref>
*Established on November 26, 1789, the first national "[[Thanksgiving|Thanksgiving Day]]" was originally created by George Washington as a way of "giving thanks" for the Constitution. <ref>http://www.constitutioncenter.org/explore/FastFacts/index.shtml</ref>
*The U.S. Constitution was prepared in secret, behind locked doors that were guarded by sentries.
*The U.S. Constitution was prepared in secret, behind locked doors so that outside interests could not interfere. Historians believe that the delegates did keep absolute secrecy.
*Some of the original framers and many delegates in the state ratifying conventions were very troubled that the original Constitution lacked a description of individual rights. In 1791, Americans added a list of rights to the Constitution. The first ten amendments became known as The Bill of Rights. <ref>http://www.constitutioncenter.org/explore/TheU.S.Constitution/index.shtml</ref>
*Some of the original framers and many delegates in the state ratifying conventions were troubled that the original Constitution lacked a guarantee of individual rights to protect them against the federal government. Supporters promised such a "bill of rights" and in 1791 the first ten amendments were ratified and became known as "The Bill of Rights". <ref>http://www.constitutioncenter.org/explore/TheU.S.Constitution/index.shtml</ref> After the Civil War, the Constitution was amended to prevent state governments from infringing on the rights of the people.
==Constitutional Principles==
==Constitutional Principles==