U.s. Attorney's Office

Know Your Rights: a Guide to the United States Constitution U.s. Attorney's Office

For more than 200 years, the Constitution of the United States has been a ?working? document, maintaining the original principles upon which our nation was founded while, at the same time, changing with the country, as reflected in its amendments. While the U. S. Constitution itself outlines the basic structure of the federal government, its twenty-seven amendments address many subjects but primarily focus on the rights of individual American citizens. This booklet outlines those rights, offering historical context and other information that is both interesting and informative. The continued vitality of our democracy is dependent upon an informed citizenry. Understanding the history of the Constitution and its amendments will assist all of us in more fully appreciating these rights and responsibilities as they have evolved over time. Moreover, such understanding will ensure that these rights will continue to be exercised, valued, and cherished by future generations.