Simone Lawson
The U.S. Constitution is often referred to as the 'supreme law of the land'. It is a living' document that can be amended, although in over 200 years there have only been 27 amendments. The first part of the Constitution is called the Preamble.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Preamble |
| Purpose | Describes the purpose of the document and the Federal Government |
| Introduction | Sets the stage for the Constitution |
| Communicates | Clearly communicates the intentions of the framers |
| Law | It is not the law |
| Defines | Does not define government powers or individual rights |
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What You'll Learn
The Preamble
The first part of the US Constitution is called the Preamble. It is an introduction to the highest law of the land, although it is not the law itself. The Preamble sets the stage for the Constitution, clearly communicating the intentions of the framers and the purpose of the document. It is not concerned with defining government powers or individual rights. The Preamble is the first of three parts of the Constitution. The second part is the seven Articles, which establish how the government is structured and how the Constitution can be changed. The third part is the Amendments, which list changes to the Constitution. The Preamble begins with the famous words "We the People" and is made up of 52 words. It was drafted in six weeks during the hot Philadelphia summer of 1787.
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The seven Articles
The first part of the Constitution is called the Preamble. It is an introduction to the document and the Federal Government, setting out the intentions of the framers and the purpose of the Constitution. It is not the law, but it does describe the law.
The second part of the Constitution is called the seven Articles. This part establishes how the Government is structured and how the Constitution can be changed. The seven Articles make up the structural constitution, which was signed on 17 September 1787 and ratified on 21 June 1788.
The third part of the Constitution is the Amendments, which list the changes made to the Constitution. The first 10 Amendments are called the Bill of Rights.
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The Amendments
The first part of the US Constitution is called the Preamble. The Preamble is an introduction to the Constitution, setting out the intentions of the framers and the purpose of the document. It is not a law, but it does describe the purpose of the document and the Federal Government.
The Preamble is followed by seven articles, which make up the structural constitution, and 27 amendments. The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. The Amendments list changes to the Constitution. They were first ratified on 15 December 1791, over three years after the seven articles were signed. The first 52 words of the Constitution introduce the articles and amendments that follow.
The Constitution is often called the 'supreme law of the land', and no law may be passed that contradicts its principles. However, it is flexible and allows for changes in the government. It is known as a 'living' document because it can be amended, although in over 200 years there have only been 27 amendments.
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The Bill of Rights
The first part of the US Constitution is called the Preamble. It is an introduction to the document and sets out the intentions of the framers and the purpose of the Constitution. The Preamble is followed by seven articles, which make up the structural constitution, and 27 amendments. The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights was ratified on 15 December 1791 and is a list of changes to the Constitution. It is the first part of the Amendments, which are the third part of the Constitution.
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The Federal Government
The first part of the U.S. Constitution is called the Preamble. It is an introduction to the highest law of the land, setting the stage for the Constitution and clearly communicating the intentions of the framers and the purpose of the document. The Preamble does not define government powers or individual rights. It is not the law, but it is an important part of the Constitution, which is often called the supreme law of the land. The Constitution is the foundation of the Federal Government and it is flexible, allowing for changes in the Government. It is known as a "living" document because it can be amended, although in over 200 years there have only been 27 amendments. The Constitution is organised into three parts: the Preamble, the seven Articles, and the Amendments. The seven Articles make up the structural constitution and establish how the Government is structured and how the Constitution can be changed. The Amendments list changes to the Constitution, with the first 10 called the Bill of Rights.
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Frequently asked questions
The first part of the constitution is called the Preamble.
The Preamble sets the stage for the Constitution. It is an introduction to the highest law of the land.
No, the Preamble is not law. It communicates the intentions of the framers and the purpose of the document.
The Preamble begins: "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
The Preamble is 52 words long.
