THE CONSITUTION (Preamble + Article I)

Article I, Section 1: A Bicameral U.S. Congress

This opening provision vests all legislative power in a bicameral body made up of two separate chambers—one with equal representation for each state and the other with representation based on population—establishing the framework for the nation’s lawmaking body.

Article I, Section 2: The House of Representatives

This part establishes the lower chamber where members are directly elected by the people every two years. It sets eligibility requirements (at least 25 years old, seven years of citizenship, and residency in the state) and originally included a provision counting slaves as three-fifths of a person. It also mandates a decennial census and grants the chamber the sole power to originate revenue bills and initiate impeachment proceedings.

Article I, Section 3: The U.S. Senate

This section creates an upper chamber in which every state, regardless of size, is represented by two members serving staggered six‑year terms. Initially, senators were chosen by state legislatures—a method later changed by a constitutional amendment—and it gives the Vice President the role of presiding officer (voting only to break ties) as well as assigns the Senate the sole power to try impeachment cases.

Article I, Section 4: Election Procedures for Congress

This provision empowers state legislatures to determine the times, places, and manner of holding elections for both chambers of Congress, while also allowing Congress the power to alter those regulations. It requires that Congress convene at least once a year—a mandate later adjusted by a constitutional amendment.

Article I, Section 5: Rules, Procedures, and Discipline of Congress

This section grants each chamber the authority to judge the elections, returns, and qualifications of its own members, set its own rules, and enforce discipline—including expelling a member with a two‑thirds vote. It also restricts one chamber from adjourning for more than three days without the consent of the other.

Article I, Section 6: Compensation, Privileges, and Restrictions for Congr

This portion ensures that senators and representatives receive compensation and enjoy immunity from arrest during sessions (except for serious crimes). It also protects their speeches from being used against them elsewhere, prohibits members from receiving additional compensation for newly created offices during their term, and forbids holding another government office simultaneously.

Article I, Section 7: Legislative Process and Revenue Bills

This section requires that all bills raising revenue originate in the lower chamber, although the upper chamber may amend them. It details the process for a bill to become law: passage in identical form by both houses, presentation to the President (who has ten days to act), and, if vetoed, the possibility of an override by a two‑thirds vote in each chamber. If Congress is in session and the President does nothing, the bill becomes law automatically; if Congress has adjourned, the bill is pocket vetoed.

Article I, Section 8: Delegated or Enumerated Powers of Congress

This extensive section enumerates the specific powers granted to Congress, such as levying taxes, borrowing money, regulating interstate and foreign commerce, coining money, establishing courts, and declaring war. It also authorizes the granting of patents and copyrights to promote progress in science and the arts. The final paragraph—often called the “elastic clause”—empowers Congress to make all laws “necessary and proper” for executing these powers and all other constitutional responsibilities.

Congress’ Power to Declare War and Grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal (Article I, Section 8)

Among its enumerated powers, Congress is granted the authority to declare war and to issue government licenses known as Letters of Marque and Reprisal, which historically allowed private citizens to capture enemy vessels. Although rarely used today, this power underscores Congress’s central role in national defense.

Congress’ Power under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8)

This clause authorizes Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the states. It has served as the constitutional basis for a wide range of federal laws—from transportation and trade regulations to landmark civil rights legislation—making it one of the most frequently invoked powers in U.S. history.

Congress’ Power to Grant Patents and Copyrights (Article I, Section 8)

To promote innovation, this provision empowers Congress to secure for a limited time the exclusive rights of authors and inventors over their works and discoveries. By doing so, it incentivizes creativity and technological progress by protecting intellectual property rights.

The Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8, Paragraph 18)

Also known as the “elastic clause,” this final paragraph of Congress’s enumerated powers authorizes the passage of any law deemed necessary and proper for executing its listed powers, as well as any other powers vested by the Constitution. This clause has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to provide Congress with implied powers beyond those explicitly stated.

Article I, Section 9: Limitations on Congress’ Power

This section places restrictions on congressional authority. It prohibits Congress from banning the importation of persons (effectively protecting the slave trade until 1808), suspends the writ of habeas corpus only in cases of rebellion or invasion, and forbids the passage of bills of attainder and ex post facto laws. It also limits taxes on exports, requires detailed accounting of public funds, and prevents the granting of titles of nobility or acceptance of foreign gifts by officials.

Article I, Section 10: Limitations on the States

This section restricts state actions by prohibiting states from entering treaties, coining money, or passing bills of attainder or ex post facto laws. It also bars states from granting titles of nobility, imposing discriminatory taxes on imports or exports, maintaining a peacetime military without federal consent, or engaging in war or forming alliances without Congress’s approval. These limits ensure that state actions do not conflict with national interests or the federal government’s authority.