21 interesting facts about Constitution of the United States

The Constitution of the United States is a foundational document that outlines the framework of the federal government and the rights of the citizens it serves. Ratified in 1788, it replaced the Articles of Confederation to create a stronger federal government while protecting individual liberties. The Constitution has become a symbol of democracy and governance around the world, influencing numerous other constitutions. Its creation was a monumental task that required compromise and foresight, and its endurance is a testament to the vision of the Founding Fathers. Here are 21 interesting and informative facts about the Constitution of the United States that highlight its significance and complexity.

1. The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
2. It consists of a Preamble, seven Articles, and 27 Amendments.
3. The first three Articles outline the powers of the three branches of government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.
4. The Constitution originally contained only seven articles. The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified in 1791.
5. James Madison is often called the “Father of the Constitution” for his pivotal role in its drafting and ratification.
6. The Constitution is the oldest written national constitution still in use.
7. Article V of the Constitution outlines the process for amending the Constitution, a process that requires significant consensus.
8. The 27th Amendment, ratified in 1992, was originally proposed in 1789, making its ratification process the longest in history.
9. The U.S. Constitution was written on parchment made from animal skin.
10. George Washington and James Madison were the only presidents who signed the Constitution.
11. The Constitution did not originally specify a number of justices for the Supreme Court.
12. The Great Compromise resulted in the creation of a bicameral legislature, balancing the interests of small and large states.
13. The Three-Fifths Compromise determined that three out of every five slaves would be counted for legislative representation and taxation purposes.
14. The Constitution does not explicitly mention the word “democracy.”
15. Benjamin Franklin, at age 81, was the oldest signer of the Constitution.
16. The phrase “We the People” in the Preamble emphasizes that the government derives its power from the governed.
17. The original Constitution is on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
18. Rhode Island was the last of the original 13 states to ratify the Constitution, doing so on May 29, 1790.
19. The Constitution has been formally amended 27 times, but over 11,000 amendments have been proposed in Congress.
20. The 22nd Amendment, limiting the president to two terms, was a direct response to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four terms.
21. The United States Constitution inspired numerous international constitutions, spreading its influence globally.

The Constitution of the United States remains a living document that continues to guide and shape the nation. Its enduring relevance is a testament to the ingenuity and foresight of its framers. As the foundation of the U.S. legal and political system, the Constitution not only delineates the structure of the federal government but also safeguards the liberties and rights of its citizens. Its amendments reflect the changing values and norms of American society, ensuring that the Constitution evolves with the nation it governs.

The Constitution of the United States is a foundational document that outlines the framework of the federal government and the rights of the citizens it serves. Ratified in 1788, it replaced the Articles of Confederation to create a stronger federal government while protecting individual liberties. The Constitution has become a…