Definition

1. Proper Noun:
   • The supreme law of the United States of America: The "United States Constitution" is the foundational legal document that establishes the national framework of government, defines the three main branches (legislative, executive, and judicial), outlines their powers and limitations, and codifies the fundamental rights of American citizens.

Usage

• The "United States Constitution" is always capitalized as it is the title of a specific document. It is often referred to simply as "the Constitution" when the context is clearly about the United States.
• It functions as a singular proper noun, though it can be modified by adjectives (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Proper Noun:
  • The United States Constitution begins with the words "We the People."
  • Amending the United States Constitution is a deliberately difficult process.
  • The Supreme Court's role is to interpret the Constitution.

Advanced Usage

• "Constitutional": Pertaining to or in agreement with the Constitution.
  • The court had to decide if the law was constitutional.
• "Unconstitutional": Not in agreement with or violating the Constitution.
  • The state law was struck down as unconstitutional.

Variants and Related Words

• The Constitution: The common shortened form.
• The U.S. Constitution: An abbreviated form.
• 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., ).

Synonyms

• The supreme law of the land: A descriptive phrase for the Constitution's ultimate legal authority.
• The nation's charter: A metaphorical synonym emphasizing its foundational role.

Related Phrases

• "To ratify the Constitution": To formally approve and give official sanction to it. (The original states ratified it between 1787 and 1790).
• "Constitutional right": A right guaranteed by the Constitution.
  • Freedom of speech is a fundamental constitutional right.
• "Constitutional convention": A gathering for the purpose of writing or revising a constitution. (The U.S. Constitution was drafted at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787).

Noun

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