The U.S. Constitution has 4,400 words. It is the oldest and shortest written Constitution of any major government in the world. The Constitution was penned by Jacob Shallus, A Pennsylvania General Assembly clerk, for $30 ($726 today). It was Written in 1787, ratified in 1788, and came in operation since 1789.
The U.S. Constitution, with its 4,400 words, stands as a cornerstone of American governance and is recognized as the oldest and shortest written constitution among major governments globally. Crafted by Jacob Shallus, a clerk in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the document reflects a pivotal moment in history.
Commissioned in 1787 and ratified in 1788, the U.S. Constitution officially came into operation in 1789. The drafting process involved the contributions of notable figures like James Madison, often hailed as the "Father of the Constitution," and others who gathered in Philadelphia to establish the framework for the newly formed United States.
Despite its brevity, the Constitution encompasses a profound set of principles and guidelines that have withstood the test of time. Its concise language and adaptability have allowed it to serve as the foundation for the American legal system, fostering a government characterized by checks and balances, individual rights, and the rule of law.
Jacob Shallus, the clerk responsible for its penmanship, received a payment of $30 for his efforts, equivalent to approximately $726 in today's currency. As a living testament to the endurance of democratic ideals, the U.S. Constitution continues to shape the nation and inspire constitutional governance worldwide.