US Constitution
Proper noun: * The fundamental law of the United States of America: The "US Constitution" is the supreme legal document that establishes the national framework of government, defines the principal organs of government (legislative, executive, judicial), outlines their jurisdictions, and guarantees the basic rights of American citizens. It was drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788.
The term "US Constitution" is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to this foundational document. It is often preceded by the definite article "the." * It serves as the ultimate source of legal authority in the United States. * It is the subject of study in law, history, and political science. * Discussions about amendments, interpretations, or historical context center on this document.
- The US Constitution begins with the preamble "We the People..."
- The First Amendment to the US Constitution protects freedom of speech.
- Scholars often debate the original intent of the framers of the US Constitution.
- The structure of the federal government is defined by the US Constitution.
- "Constitutional": Pertaining to or consistent with the US Constitution.
- The Supreme Court determines if a law is constitutional.
- "Unconstitutional": Not in accordance with or violating the US Constitution.
- The court ruled the state law unconstitutional.
- The Constitution: A common shortened form used when the context clearly refers to the United States.
- Constitution of the United States: The full, formal title.
- Constitutional law: The body of law derived from and interpreting the Constitution.
- The supreme law of the land (a descriptive phrase used within the document itself).
- The nation's charter.
- The foundational document.
Note: There are no phrasal verbs or idioms directly formed from the proper noun "US Constitution."
- the constitution written at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 and subsequently ratified by the original thirteen states