The US Constitution is the foundational legal document of the United States, establishing the framework for the federal government and—through later amendments—outlining the rights of its citizens. Ratified in 1788, the nearly 8,000-word document consists of a preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. Drafted in 1787, the framers designed the Constitution to replace the weak Articles of Confederation, which had left the federal government unable to tax, regulate commerce, or enforce laws.
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The Judiciary Act of 1789 established the structure of the US federal judiciary, creating a six-member Supreme Court, district courts, and circuit courts. It delineated the jurisdiction of these courts and outlined the relationship between state and federal courts. For a comprehensive explanation and the full transcript of the bill, head to this page from the National Archives.
The Constitution continues to shape our political and social life today. If you want to understand how today’s political debates connect to the Constitution, check out this podcast from the National Constitution Center. The weekly program features experts from diverse perspectives and explores how constitutional principles shape modern issues.
The US government made nearly half of its total revenue last year from individual income taxes, and this year is shaping up to be similar. The US makes money from a variety of other sources, including Medicare taxes and corporate income taxes. But the deficit continues to grow: The US spent $1.82T more than it made in fiscal 2024. To learn more, check out the federal government’s revenue counter.
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