> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://america-250.mintlify.site/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # The Constitution of the United States > The supreme law of the United States, signed September 17, 1787 and in effect since 1789. Done in Convention by the unanimous consent of the States present, September 17, 1787. Ratified by the required nine states in 1788 and in effect since 1789. The text is transcribed from the original parchment held at the National Archives. ## Preamble We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. ## The Seven Articles Establishes Congress: the House, the Senate, and their powers. Establishes the Presidency, elections, and executive powers. Establishes the Supreme Court and defines treason. Relations among states, new states, and federal guarantees. The process for amending the Constitution. Debts, the Supremacy Clause, and oaths of office. The requirement of nine states for ratification. All 27 amendments, beginning with the Bill of Rights (1791). ## Source Transcription adapted from the [U.S. National Archives](https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript).