| Synopsis: |
In 1783, Great Britain signed a treaty ending the American Revolution. This gave its former colonies the right to govern themselves. However, governing the 13 states that made up the new United States of America was difficult at first. A weak system of government called the Articles of Confederation did not work. After four years, it became apparent that a new system was needed. The U.S. Constitution, written in 1787, provided guidelines for governing the country. Though it has been modified since then, this brief document remains the basis for our government more than 200 years later. As Americans, we value our rights that are specifically laid out by the Constitution and its first ten amendments, the Bill of Rights. To understand what being an American means, all citizens should understand the Constitution. Sometimes called a 'living document', the Constitution is a lasting reminder of the individual freedoms enjoyed by all Americans. |