Answer:
The Constitution
It started with a constitutional convention
to produce a living document with just the right amount of tension
between the rights of states and the power of the confederation.
The drafters wanted both working parts and a functioning nation.
Approved in 1781, 16 delegates decided to decline
But a majority of 55 were willing to sign.
The Bill of Rights was added in order to define
those inalienable rights that we should never try to malign.
The constitution has a handful of parts
The preamble is at the start
Then comes the 13 articles at the heart.
The Bill of Rights gives the amendment process a jump start.
The remaining amendments are important too.
Many would like to add amendments, but it’s quite hard to do.
Three-fourths of state legislatures must approve.
Thousands have been proposed but only 27 made it through.
Our living constitution is our Republic’s cornerstone
It has served our needs as the country as grown.
Though I wish the judges would rely on it alone.
This document should definitely be better known!