A constitution is a set of laws that define the powers and limits of a government. A constitution can regulate the relationships between institutions of a government such as a head of state, legislative and executive branches and a judiciary. Constitutions also establish broad rights for citizens.
The United States Constitution has governed the nation for over two centuries. More a concise statement of national principles than a detailed plan of governmental operation, the Constitution has survived and evolved to meet the needs of a world profoundly different from the eighteenth century in which its framers lived.
The Constitution has three main functions: it establishes the structure of a national government, divides power between the national and state governments and protects certain individual liberties of American citizens. The Constitution opens with a preamble that outlines the general goals of its framers. These include peace, a strong national defense and a free nation.
Section 4 outlines the qualifications of those who can serve in federal offices. It establishes that the president and other federal officers can be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors. It also requires that judges of the Supreme Court and inferior courts be chosen by Congress. The Constitution specifies that they shall receive a salary for their services, and it does not permit them to increase or diminish their compensation during their terms of office.
The founders also outlined the relationship between the states. The Constitution requires all states to give “full faith and credit” to laws, records, contracts, and judicial proceedings of other states. It bars states from discriminating against citizens of other states and from imposing tariffs against other states. It also provides a legal basis for interstate travel and movement of people, goods, and services.