The U.S. Constitution is a set of basic laws organizing, granting and limiting the powers of our government. It is something that all American citizens share.

This week, we celebrate Constitution Week, Sept. 17-23, with an issue about this historic document.

Along with the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights are on display in the rotunda of the National Archives.

Constitution Fact-a-roonies

• It was created in Philadelphia …
• during the summer of 1787 …
• in secret …
• in about 100 days.
• It has 39 signers …
• and is made up of a preamble, seven articles and 27 amendments, which were added later.
• The original Constitution is handwritten on four parchment pages. Each page is about 29 inches high and 24 inches wide.
• Our Constitution is the longest-lasting written national constitution in the world.

Over 237 years, our leaders and citizens have added amendments, which are changes to the existing law. For example, the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote in 1919.

Father of the Constitution

James Madison was a smart student of government and a great statesman. He was a friend of Thomas Jefferson.

Madison was only 36 when the Constitution was written. He influenced what went on at the Constitutional Convention more than any other delegate.

He wrote a plan for the new government, the Virginia Plan. Many of his ideas were adopted. He also took many notes and wrote up detailed reports. His records are our best sources of what went on. These were not published until after his death.

After serving as secretary of state under Thomas Jefferson, he was elected as our fourth president. He lived longer than any other signer. He died at the age of 85 in 1836.

Mini Fact:

The first 10 Amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights.