There are 51 Constitutions in the United States--one for each state, and the United States Constitution.

\r\n

The United States Constitution (which is always capitalized) is the supreme law of the United States. Any law that conflicts with the U.S. Constitution is unconstitutional, and therefore unenforceable.

The principles in the Constitution are very broad because our founding fathers knew that this country would grow and evolve as a society. The Constitution is referred to as a living document because it has stood the test of time and is as relevant today as it was at its inception.

The founding fathers also intended that the Constitution be amendable. If a provision is to be modified, the new version must be ratified by 2/3 of the states in the nation.

Our governmental structure and its checks and balances were set into place by the U.S. Constitution. We have the legislative branch (Congress), the executive branch (the President), and the judicial branch (the courts) of government. Each has its own primary responsibilities. The legislative branch makes laws. The judicial branch interprets the laws, and the executive branch enforces the laws.

Anything not specifically named as a federal government function in the U.S. Constitution is reserved to the states.

When nations enter into agreements, the agreement is called a treaty. The President is allowed to enter into a treaty with the advice and consent of the Senate. A treaty becomes part of the supreme law of the land.

Sources of American Law