The notable political document that was ratified in 1788 in the United States is the U.S. Constitution. Following the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution established a strong federal government with a system of checks and balances among three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. It outlines the framework for governance, the rights of individuals, and the principles of democracy. The ratification process was marked by intense debate between Federalists, who supported a strong central government, and Anti-Federalists, who feared it would infringe on states' rights. The Constitution remains the supreme law of the land and has been amended to address evolving societal needs.