FindLaw Legal Dictionary
The FindLaw Legal Dictionary -- free access to over 8260 definitions of legal terms. Search for a definition or browse our legal glossaries.
term:
U.S. Constitution
-
u.s. constitution
- the document written by the founders of this country, which establishes the basic structure and functions of the federal government, grants certain specified rights, often called constitutional rights, to the American people, and places limits on the powers and activities of our federal and state governments. The term "U.S. Constitution" also includes its amendments. The first ten amendments to the Constitution are referred to as the Bill of Rights.
Source: Federal Judicial Center