The original U.S. Constitution contains seven articles.
The first three articles establish the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Article I creates Congress, Article II defines the presidency, and Article III establishes the federal judiciary. This structure is the foundation of the Constitution’s separation of powers.
The remaining articles address relations among states, the amendment process, federal supremacy, and ratification. The Constitution’s amendments are added after the original text rather than being counted as additional original articles.
The seven-article document was signed in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. It replaced the Articles of Confederation after delegates concluded that the earlier national government lacked sufficient authority to address issues such as taxation, trade, and defense.