What you should know

How has the constitution affected us?

The future of the United States would have been very different indeed if our Constitution had not been ratified. Individual states would have drifted in various political directions without this common thread holding them together. The westward movement would have had a different outcome. Foreign powers would have taken much of the western areas. The Louisiana Purchase most probably would not have been possible and the institution of slavery would definitely have divided the nation more seriously than it did.

With the Constitution, Abraham Lincoln was able to hold the nation together. With his Gettysburg Address, Lincoln explained how the nation would endure. Without the Constitution, the America we know today would never have been a reality.

The America we know today is a land of opportunity and our Constitution is a primary reason for that. Our economy has been prosperous not only because of our bountiful resources and our industrious people. The framework of our government encourages national stability and strength. We are very fortunate that our forefathers brought forth and ratified the Constitution. Perhaps some would disagree with my optimism but I see a nation where our next leader might be a female, an African American or a Mormon. Any of these instances would be a first for our Presidency but the point is - opportunity is there for everyone. America without our Constitution would be lacking. We are very fortunate to have it. (source)