U.S. Constitution

The foundation of the American Government, its purpose, form, and structure are in the Constitution of the United States. The Constitutional Convention adopted the Constitution on September 17, 1787.  

The Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. It guarantees greater constitutional protection for individual liberties and lists specific prohibitions on government power. There are 27 Constitutional Amendments in all. The 27th Amendment, which was originally proposed in 1789, wasn’t ratified until 1992. 

Where to View the Constitution

You can view the original, parchment copy of the Constitution at the National Archives Building. You can also view an online copy of the U.S. Constitution or order a printed copy of the Constitution.