constitution of the united states: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-HighFormal, Academic, Legal, Historical, Civic
Quick answer
What does “constitution of the united states” mean?
The supreme law of the United States of America, establishing the framework of the national government and fundamental rights of its citizens.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The supreme law of the United States of America, establishing the framework of the national government and fundamental rights of its citizens.
The foundational legal document that outlines the structure of the U.S. federal government, delineates the powers of its three branches (legislative, executive, judicial), defines the relationship between the federal government and the states, and guarantees individual rights through its amendments.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'constitution' (uncapitalised) typically refers to an uncodified body of laws, conventions, and principles. The phrase 'Constitution of the United States' is used specifically to refer to the American document. In the US, it is a proper noun and a central civic concept.
Connotations
In the US, it carries strong connotations of foundational law, freedom, and national identity. In the UK, it is a specific reference to a foreign legal document, often studied in contexts of comparative politics or history.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in American legal, political, and educational discourse. Moderate frequency in British academic and historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “constitution of the united states” in a Sentence
the Constitution of [Country]to amend/violate/uphold/ratify/interpret [the Constitution]according to/under [the Constitution]a [adjective] provision of the ConstitutionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “constitution of the united states” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The nation was constituted by the founding fathers.
- The committee is constituted to review the laws.
American English
- The government is constituted by the will of the people.
- They sought to constitute a new form of union.
adverb
British English
- The government acted constitutionally.
- The law was constitutionally sound.
American English
- The process was carried out constitutionally.
- The president's power is constitutionally limited.
adjective
British English
- The reform raised constitutional questions.
- They have a constitutional right to assembly.
American English
- The case involved a constitutional amendment.
- It was a matter of constitutional law.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referenced in contracts, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance regarding constitutional rights like due process.
Academic
A primary subject in law, political science, history, and civics courses.
Everyday
Discussed in news about Supreme Court rulings, rights, elections, and political debates.
Technical
Analysed clause-by-clause in legal briefs, judicial opinions, and scholarly articles on constitutional law.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “constitution of the united states”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “constitution of the united states”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “constitution of the united states”
- Missing the definite article 'the' (e.g., 'According to Constitution...'). Incorrect capitalisation (e.g., 'the u.s. constitution'). Using 'constitutional' as a noun to mean the document itself (incorrect: 'the constitutional'; correct: 'the Constitution').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was written in 1787 during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and ratified in 1788.
There are 27 amendments. The first ten are collectively known as the Bill of Rights.
The Declaration of Independence (1776) announced the colonies' separation from Britain. The Constitution (1787) established the system of government and law for the new nation.
Yes, through the amendment process outlined in Article V, which requires proposal (by Congress or a national convention) and ratification (by state legislatures or conventions).
The supreme law of the United States of America, establishing the framework of the national government and fundamental rights of its citizens.
Constitution of the united states is usually formal, academic, legal, historical, civic in register.
Constitution of the united states: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃən əv ðə juːˌnaɪtɪd steɪts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːnstɪˈtuːʃən əv ðə juːˌnaɪtɪd steɪts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a constitutional right”
- “by the book”
- “the law of the land”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CONSTITUTION – it CONstitutes the nation, establishing its INSTITUTIONS.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CONSTITUTION IS A FOUNDATION/BLUEPRINT (for the government); THE CONSTITUTION IS A LIVING DOCUMENT (that evolves).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the Constitution of the United States?