The Constitution of the United States, which was drawn up in 1787 and came into effect in 1789, is the basic law of the land. For over two centuries, it has guided the development of government institutions and has supplied the basisfor the nation’s political stability, economic growth and social progress.

    When the Constitution was first drawn up in 1787, nothing was mentioned about the rights of individuals, then, in 1791, the first 10 amendments were created. Thisis the well-known Bill of Rights, which guarantees freedom of religion, speech and the press, the right of peaceful assembly and petition, the right to keep and bear arms, the freedom against unreasonable search and seizure, among others.

    As you can see, the Constitution can be changed, even though not easily. The word “amendment” can be used to refer to every change. It is the Congress that generally suggests amendments, and states can also suggest them. Two-thirds of the Congress must approve an amendment. After that, three-fourths of the states must say yes to it. Only then is an amendment added to the Constitution. Up to now, 27 amendments have been added to the Constitution, and new ones may still be added. That may explain why people sometimes call the Constitution a “living document.”

     The US Constitution is the oldest constitution still in effect in the world and created the American system of government.