united states constitution

Preamble of the Constitution

“WE THE PEOPLE…” provides purpose for Constitution; to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty

Article 1 is about…

the Legislative Branch

Article 1, Section 1

Bicameral legislature; Congress split into a Senate and a House of Reps

Article 1, Section 2

The structure of the House of Representatives; reps elected every 2 years; reps must be at least 25 and a citizen of the US for 7 years; reps and taxes apportioned to states according to their respective numbers; each state should have at least 1 rep; if vacancies occur, writs of election issued, HoR choose their Speaker and officers; have the sole power of IMPEACHMENT

Article 1, Section 3

Structure of the Senate; 2 senators per state; elected every 6 years; senate divided into 3 classes, which decide which seats will be up for election that year; at least 30 years old, citizen of US for 9 years; Vice President is President of the Senate; also a President Pro Tempore, who leads when VP is not present; sole power to try all impeachments

Article 1, Section 4

Procedure of electing HoR/ Senate; elections shall be held in each state by the legislature; Congress shall assemble once a year, first MOnday of December

Article 1, Section 5

Each house determines its own rules of procedure and proceedings; must keep a record of proceedings; neither the house or senate will adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other

Article 1, Section 6

Senators and Representatives must receive compensation for their services and be paid; none should be appointed to any civil Office under the authority of the United States during the time they are elected ; and vice versa

Article 1, Section 7

How a bill becomes a Law; (for $$$/ revenue- originates in HoR, otherwise Senate)

Article 1, Section 8

POWERS OF CONGRESS; Congress has the power to TAX; borrow money, regulate commerce, coin money, establish Post Offices and Coin money, declare WAR, raise armies, maintain a navy, to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever, to make all laws in which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution

Article 1, Section 9

Limits of Congress; Habeas Corpus (fundamental right which allows individuals to challenge the legality of imprisonment)

Article 1, Section 10

Limits on states; shall NOT enter any treaties, coin money, grant titles of nobility, etc.

Article 2 is about…

the Executive Branch

Article 2, Section 1

Defines the rules of the President; terms of 4 years; describes the electoral college; President requirements: natural born citizen of the US, at least 35, resident of the US for 14 years; if President no longer alive or whatever, goes to Vice President; President will take Oath of Office

Article 2, Section 2

President is Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy; has power of pardons and reprieves; Power to make treaties (with 2/3 Senate approval); power to nominate ambassadors, judges of the Supreme Court, and other Officers of the United States

Article 2, Section 3

Convene and adjourn both houses of Congress; should take care that laws be faithfully executed

Article 3 is about…

the Judicial Branch

Article 3, Section 1

Judicial power of the US vested in the SUPREME COURT; offices held in good behavior

Article 3, Section 2

judicial power shall extend to all cases in law and equity

Article 3, Section 3

treason against the US shall only consist in levying War against them; Congress has the power to declare the punishment of treason

Article 4 is about…

States and federal government relationship

Article 4, Section 1

States must respect each other states laws and institutions

Article 4, Section 2

citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states; no discriminating out of state citizens

Article 4, Section 3

States can’t form other states

Article 4, Section 4

United States government guarantees protection for the states against domestic violence

Article 5

2/3 of both houses of Congress needed in order to propose Amendments to the Constitution

Article 6

every valid statute is the “law of the land”; debts and contracts made before the est of the Constitution still valid; no religious test shall ever be a qualification to any public office of the US

Article 7

ratification of the constitution under 9 states