The U.S. Constitution

             The Constitution of the United States of America is perhaps the most valued and important document in our country. The Constitution in my own words is the understood rules established years ago by the first fathers of our country. The politicians who wrote the Constitution were trying to bring freedom to the country while at the same time equality. It was a very brave move for these men to try to enforce new rules and rights on a new country. It was not easy at the start but the Constitution is still standing today. It is very hard to change the Constitution by adding or removing amendments. I feel this is done for a good reason. The Constitution is a very strong document and any change to it changes the way everyone in the country can live. It is in Article V of the Constitution that tells the methods for adopting amendments. Amendments can be proposed by 2/3 vote by the house of Congress. Then the amendments must be approved by ¾ the states, and by ¾ of the state legislatures. Which usually is a long and complicated process. This amendment process is usually the first way we think to change the Constitution but it is actually uncommon.
             The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the Constitution. These amendments were adopted in 1791. I think the amendments are the ones most people are familiar with as they are the ones we hear about the most. I can recall many times throughout middle and high school having to memorize the first 10 amendments. All my teachers always told us how important the Constitution was. I don't really think I ever really understood the Constitution and its importance until recently in my life. I have learned to respect my country, the Constitution, and all the history. This might sound like a common explanation for a lot of things but after the terrorist attacks of September 11th everything including the Constitution and my rights seem to have a little more importance.