Definition

1. Proper Noun:
   • The supreme law of the United States of America: The "Constitution of the United States" is the foundational legal document that establishes the national framework of government, defines the principal organs of government (legislative, executive, judicial), outlines their jurisdictions, and guarantees the fundamental rights of American citizens.

Usage

• The term "Constitution of the United States" is used as a singular, proper noun to refer specifically to this document. It is often preceded by the definite article "the."
• It serves as the ultimate source of legal authority in the U.S. legal system. All laws and government actions must conform to it.
• It is commonly referenced in legal, historical, and political contexts.

Examples

• Proper Noun:
  • The Constitution of the United States was adopted on September 17, 1787.
  • The President swears an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.
  • The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States protects freedom of speech.

Advanced Usage

• "The U.S. Constitution": This is a very common shortened form with identical meaning.
  • The case was decided based on the U.S. Constitution.
• "Constitutional" (adj): Describes something that is in accordance with or authorized by the Constitution.
  • The Supreme Court ruled the law was constitutional.
• "Unconstitutional" (adj): Describes something that violates the Constitution.
  • The court declared the executive order unconstitutional.

Variants and Related Words

• The U.S. Constitution: The standard abbreviated form.
• The American Constitution: A less formal variant.
• Constitutional law: The body of law derived from and interpreting the Constitution.
• The Bill of Rights: The collective name for the first ten amendments to the Constitution.
• Amendment: A formal change or addition to the Constitution (e.g., the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote).

Synonyms

• The supreme law of the land: A descriptive phrase often used to emphasize its authority.
• The nation's charter: A more figurative synonym highlighting its role as a founding document.

Related Phrases

• "To ratify the Constitution": To formally approve and give official sanction to it. The original Constitution was ratified by the states.
• "To amend the Constitution": To change it through the formal process outlined in Article V.
• "Constitutional right": A right or freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.
  • Trial by jury is a constitutional right.

Related Idioms

• "A living constitution": The concept that the Constitution's interpretation should adapt and change over time to address new societal circumstances.
• "Originalism": A principle of interpretation that seeks to understand the Constitution based on the original meaning of the text at the time it was adopted.

Noun

1. the constitution written at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 and subsequently ratified by the original thirteen states