Constitution of the United States

The Constitution of the United States is a living document that was first written at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Conservatives fear it above all else, because it provides for a real Democratic government and outlines several human rights.

Causes and origin
The Constitution was written at the 1787 Constitutional Convention, when the document previously governing the United States was deemed inadequate (Articles of Confederation). The Convention met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Great Compromise
Two rival plans for a legislature decisively divided the delegates to the Convention. The New Jersey Plan called for a unicameral legislature, much like the modern Senate. The Virginia Plan called for a bicameral legislature with representation based on population, much like the modern House of Representatives. But a delegate from Connecticut, Roger Sherman, proposed a compromise, in which there would be a combination of both plans.

Articles
The Constitution is divided into seven articles:

Article One Details the requirements and specifications for the Congress, the House and Senate.

Article Two Details the powers and duties of the office of the Presidency.

Article Three Details the powers and specifications of the Supreme Court.