The Constitution of the United States is the highest law in the United States and outlines the operating procedure for the United States government. It covers the three branches of the government: the legislative, executive and judicial branches, and outlines the organization and function of the three branches.

Since it was signed on September 17, 1778, there have been 27 amendments to the Constitution, although over 10,000 amendments have been presented in U.S. Congress.http://www.constitutioncenter.org/ncc_progs_10_Fast_Facts_on_the_Constitution.aspx

The legislative branch, which includes the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The primary purpose of the legislative branch is to pass the laws of the land. All spending legislation must originate in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress also has the sole authority to declare war. The Senate is also available for advice and consent on some political appointments and treaties.

The executive branch includes the office of the president and all of the president's political appointees, including the cabinet. The president is the commander-in-chief of the U.S. armed forces.

The judicial branch is in charge of interpreting the laws of the land. The highest court in the judicial branch is the Supreme Court.