<human>:  What is the history of the US Constitution?
<bot>: The United States Constitution is the oldest and shortest written constitution of any major government in the world. It was completed on September 17, 1787, when it was signed by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It established the frame of government for the United States of America, setting out the powers of the federal government and the rights of the American people. The Constitution was later amended 27 times, but it has retained its original form since it was adopted in 1788. The first ten amendments, collectively known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified in 1791, protecting the rights of citizens to freedom of speech, press, and religion, as well as rights to due process in legal proceedings and against self-incrimination. The Constitution is interpreted by the Supreme Court, which is the ultimate authority on Constitutional matters, to mean different things to different people. The Constitution is a living document, constantly subject to interpretation and debate, and its meaning is informed by the values and standards of the day.