The United States Constitution begins with the simple phrase "We the People." Yet, in three simple words, the ideology it represents has shaped the entire country (O'Connor et al., 2011). The short phrase means that the document, and therefore the government, is based on the people themselves. The Constitution reflects the culture and ideologies of its citizens. Likewise, state constitutions reflect the people, albeit in a more specific location. The fundamental differences between the Constitution of the United States and that of local states are due to distinctions between the scope and characteristics of the people who govern. In political theory there is much discussion about the definition of a constitution. In general, it is considered a “single regulatory document”. If this were the case, then the United States Constitution would be the oldest in the world (Berry, 2011). The Framers, in writing it, aimed to create a document that would stand the test of time. Despite changes in population size, racial and religious components, and even modern technology, the goal has clearly been achieved. Elkins says this is mostly due to its flexibility. Judicial review interprets the document keeping in mind the rapidly changing society (as cited in Garza, 2008). Many state constitutions, on the other hand, have not survived that long. Because many were written with specific people and locations in mind, they have not been able to adapt well to change. Louisiana, for example, has had 11 state constitutions. Today, it is common practice for states to consider revising their current constitutions (Morris, Henson, & Fackler, 2011). The difference in the duration of the two constitutions is evident. The first is only 7,000 words long, while half the document is unavoidable considering the large difference between the purposes of the federal constitution and those of the local states. Works Cited O'Connor, K. ., Sabato, L. J., Yanus, A. B, Gibson, Jr., L. T., & Robinson, C. (2011). American Government: Roots and Reform 2011 Texas Edition. United States: Pearson Education, Inc.Henson, J. (interviewer) and Elkins, Z. (interviewee). (2008). The foundations of longevity in the United States Constitution [video file of interview]. Retrieved from http://www.laits.utexas.edu/gov310/CF/elkins03/index.htmlMorris, J., Henson, J., Fackler, T. (2011). Texas Politics. Retrieved from http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/7_3_1.htmlBlanda, S. (2010). The 4 differences between the federal and state Constitutions. Constitution Daily. Retrieved from http://blog.constitutioncenter.org/the-4-differences-between-the-federal-and-state-constitutions/