Full Text of the U.S. Constitution

Article II establishes the executive branch, headed by the President and Vice President. It defines the electoral process, eligibility requirements, and the powers and duties of the President, such as Commander in Chief, treaty-making, appointing officials, and ensuring laws are faithfully executed. It also covers impeachment for high crimes and misdemeanors.

Article III establishes the judicial branch, with a Supreme Court and inferior courts established by Congress. It outlines the jurisdiction of federal courts, including cases arising under the Constitution, laws, and treaties, and defines treason against the United States. Judges hold their offices during good behavior and receive compensation that cannot be diminished.

Article IV addresses the relationship between the states and the federal government. It requires states to give 'Full Faith and Credit' to the public acts of other states, ensures privileges and immunities for citizens across states, and provides for the admission of new states. It also guarantees a republican form of government for each state and protection against invasion and domestic violence.

The Preamble outlines the fundamental goals and purposes of the U.S. Constitution: 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 for present and future generations.

Article I establishes the legislative branch, consisting of a House of Representatives and a Senate. It details the qualifications, election, and powers of members for both chambers, including the power to tax, regulate commerce, declare war, and make all laws 'necessary and proper' for executing their powers. It also outlines powers denied to Congress and to the States.

Article V describes the process for amending the Constitution. Amendments can be proposed by a two-thirds vote of both Houses of Congress or by a convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures. Proposed amendments must then be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by conventions in three-fourths of the states.

Article VI establishes the Constitution, federal laws made pursuant to it, and treaties as the 'supreme Law of the Land.' It also confirms that debts incurred under the Articles of Confederation remain valid and requires all federal and state officials to take an oath to support the Constitution, prohibiting religious tests for office.

Article VII details the process for the Constitution's ratification, stating that the ratification by the conventions of nine states would be sufficient for its establishment among the states so ratifying it.

The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, guarantee fundamental individual freedoms. These include freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly (1st); the right to bear arms (2nd); protection against quartering soldiers (3rd); security against unreasonable searches and seizures (4th); rights in criminal cases, due process, and eminent domain (5th); rights to a speedy trial and legal counsel (6th); right to jury trial in civil cases (7th); protection against excessive bail, fines, and cruel punishment (8th); enumeration of rights doesn't deny others retained by the people (9th); and powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people (10th).

The subsequent amendments address various issues, including limiting federal judicial power over states (11th), revising presidential election procedures (12th), abolishing slavery (13th), granting citizenship and equal protection (14th), securing voting rights regardless of race (15th), allowing federal income tax (16th), direct election of senators (17th), prohibition of alcohol (18th), women's suffrage (19th), changes to presidential/congressional terms (20th), repealing alcohol prohibition (21st), presidential term limits (22nd), D.C. electoral votes (23rd), outlawing poll taxes (24th), presidential succession and disability (25th), lowering the voting age to 18 (26th), and regulating congressional pay raises (27th).