The Constitution

The Constitution is the founding document of the American republic. Over two centuries have passed since its adoption, yet its meaning is still fiercely debated. The debate over whether it should be interpreted strictly as it was written in the eighteenth century or as a living document that must evolve over time to meet Americans' changing needs is ongoing and continues to frame legislation on both the state and national level. This book explores the history, creation, and implementation of the Constitution. From the Constitutional Convention of 1787, when the Founding Fathers argued and compromised with each other as they designed the template for a new nation, through the "great experiment" of the young republic and its first president, George Washington, to the addition of the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments, the story of the Constitution is still being told. Learn more about how this document came to be, the ways it has shaped our civic life, and how it continues to secure the rights of all Americans.