The Constitution and Related Documents

The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the United States of America. It was adopted in its original form on September 17, 1787 by the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and later ratified by the people in conventions in each state in the name of "We the People."

The Constitution has a central place in American law and political culture. After that of San Marino, it is the second oldest constitution in effect in the world. An engrossed copy of the document is on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.