Signing of the United States ConstitutionSigning of the United States Constitution

September 17, 1787September 17, 1787

The signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is one of the most important and influential events in

American history, establishing the many rights and freedoms “We the People” enjoy today.

About the About the ConstitutionConstitution The Constitution of the United States is the cornerstone of our The Constitution of the United States is the cornerstone of our

American government. American government.

In 4,543 words, this document describes the structure or plan of the In 4,543 words, this document describes the structure or plan of the government and the rights of the American people.government and the rights of the American people.

The Constitution is known as a "living document" because it can be The Constitution is known as a "living document" because it can be amended. Since its ratification, it has only been changed (amended)amended. Since its ratification, it has only been changed (amended) 27 times. 27 times.

The U.S. Constitution embodies the fundamental laws and principles The U.S. Constitution embodies the fundamental laws and principles upon which the American republic is governed. upon which the American republic is governed.

The U.S. Constitution is the framework for the organization of the The U.S. Constitution is the framework for the organization of the United States government and for the relationship of the federal United States government and for the relationship of the federal government with the states, citizens, and all people within the United government with the states, citizens, and all people within the United StatesStates

PREAMBLEPREAMBLE TO THE U.S. CONSTITUTIONTO THE U.S. CONSTITUTION

We the People of the United States, in We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common Tranquility, provide for the common defence,defence, promote the general Welfare, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.United States of America.