Constitution

Article I

The Legislative Branch

Section 1 of Article I

All legislative powers are vested in a Congress consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Section 2 of Article I

Details on the House of Representatives: term lengths, qualifications, apportionment, and powers (including impeachment).

Section 3 of Article I

Details on the Senate: term lengths, selection method, qualifications, role of the Vice President, and power to try impeachments.

Section 4 of Article I

Elections and meetings of Congress—states control elections; Congress may alter rules; Congress must meet at least once per year.

Section 5 of Article I

Rules for each House's proceedings, discipline of members, and requirement to keep a journal.

Section 6 of Article I

Compensation and privileges of members; restrictions on holding other offices during service.

Section 7 of Article I

All revenue bills originate in the House; describes the presidential veto process.

Section 8 of Article I

Lists the enumerated powers of Congress, including taxation, commerce, naturalization, war powers, and the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Section 9 of Article I

Limits on Congress, including the slave trade clause (until 1808), habeas corpus, bills of attainder, ex post facto laws, and titles of nobility.

Section 10 of Article I

Limits on states—states may not coin money, enter into treaties, or levy duties without Congress's consent.

Article II

The Executive Branch

Section 1 of Article II

Establishes the Presidency: terms, electoral college, qualifications, compensation, and the oath of office.

Section 2 of Article II

Presidential powers: Commander in Chief, power to make treaties and appointments (with Senate consent), and power to pardon.

Section 3 of Article II

Presidential duties: giving the State of the Union, convening Congress, ensuring that laws are faithfully executed.

Section 4 of Article II

Describes impeachment of the President, Vice President, and civil officers for treason, bribery, or other high crimes.

Article III

The Judicial Branch

Section 1 of Article III

Establishes the Supreme Court and allows Congress to create inferior courts; judges serve during good behavior.

Section 2 of Article III

Defines the jurisdiction of federal courts—types of cases they may hear—and rules for jury trials.

Section 3 of Article III

Defines treason and sets limits on punishment (cannot include corruption of blood or forfeiture beyond the offender's life).

Article IV

States and Federal Relations

Section 1 of Article IV

"Full Faith and Credit" clause—states must recognize public acts, records, and proceedings of other states.

Section 2 of Article IV

Privileges and immunities of citizens, extradition, and handling of fugitive slaves (now obsolete).

Section 3 of Article IV

Admission of new states and rules for governing federal territories.

Section 4 of Article IV

The federal government guarantees a Republican form of government and protection from invasion and domestic violence to the states.

Article V

The Amendment Process

Article VI

Supremacy of National Law

Section 1 of Article VI

Assumes debts and obligations from the Articles of Confederation.

Section 2 of Article VI

Establishes the Supremacy Clause—the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land.

Section 3 of Article VI

All officials must take an oath to support the Constitution; no religious test may be required.

Article VII

Ratification

Section 1 of Article VII

States that ratification by nine states is sufficient to establish the Constitution.