U.S. Constitution

Article 1, Section 1: Congress

Article 1, Section 1: Congress

All legislative powers belong to the U.S. Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Article 1, Section 2: The House

Representation per state is determined by each state’s population. Every state has at least one representative, and the number of members is capped at 435. Representatives must be 25 or older, must have been a citizen for at least 7 years, and must live in the state they are to represent. They serve 2-year terms. The members choose their Speaker and other officers, and this chamber has the sole power of impeachment.

Article 1, Section 3: The Senate

Each state has two senators that serve 6-year terms. Senators must be 30 or older, must have been a citizen for at least 9 years, and must live in the state they are to represent. The Vice President of the United States will serve as the President of the Senate, but they will not vote on issues unless a tiebreaker is necessary. The members choose their officers, including the President Pro Tempore, who will lead the Senate in the Vice President’s absence. The Senate has the sole power to try all impeachment cases, but when the President of the United States is impeached, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court will lead. A 2/3 majority vote is required for an impeachment to be passed.

Article 1, Section 4: Elections

States have the right to choose the times, places, and manners in which they carry out the elections of representatives and senators, but Congress has the right to alter these laws if they interfere with federal voting legislation.

Article 1, Section 5: Powers and Duties of Congress

• establish subcommittees when necessary

• punish absences and other misconduct

• determine the rules of its proceedings

• expel a member with a 2/3 vote

Article 1, Section 6: Rights and Disabilities of Members

• members will be paid for their services by the federal government.

• members will not be questioned in court or by the President for any speech or debate they give or participate in on the floor of the Senate or the House.

Article 1, Section 7: Legislative Process

• All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives.

• Every bill passed by both chambers will be presented to the president, who can sign it or veto it.

• Congress can override the veto with a 2/3 majority vote from both chambers to pass the bill.

Article 1, Section 8: Powers of Congress

• pass a federal budget (Power of the Purse)

• raise revenue (taxes, tariffs, etc.)

• regulate the naturalization process of a citizen

• coin money

• establish post offices and routes

• declare war

• raise and maintain armed forces

• regulate commerce

• create federal courts

• pass legislation

• Necessary and Proper Clause: pass laws that are considered necessary for the federal government to properly carry out its duties.

Article 1, Section 9: Powers Denied to Congress

• A Writ of Habeas Corpus must be provided except in cases of invasion or rebellion.

• No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto laws can be passed.

• No titles of nobility can be granted.

Article 1, Section 10: Powers Denied to the States

• cannot enter a treaty, alliance, or confederation

• cannot coin money

• cannot pass Bills of Attainder or ex post facto laws

• cannot grant titles of nobility

• cannot keep troops

• cannot engage in war