The war on terror, government surveillance, weapons, and racial injustice are just some of the many crucial topics dividing the United States today. As Americans continue to deal with central questions about their own rights and about the extent of the government's power, their constitutional foundations are as relevant today as ever. The Constitution of the United States is the oldest written constitution in force in the world today. An enduring symbol of American national identity and heritage, it remains the basis for facing the ongoing challenge of uniting the states in a large and diverse country. This concise, readable commentary presents the Constitution in a way that is accessible for interested readers with little background knowledge about American law. Each section is explained clearly, while historical information and connections to recent and current controversies help make this ground-breaking document come to life.