Constitution and articles

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Preamble

Introductory statement to the United States Constitution that outlines the purposes of government (form a more perfect union establish justice insure domestic tranquility provide for the common defense promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty)

Article I

Establishes the legislative branch (Congress) with a bicameral structure (House of Representatives and Senate) and outlines its powers including taxation commerce regulation declaring war and lawmaking

Article II

Establishes the executive branch led by the president and outlines powers including enforcing laws commanding the military making treaties (with Senate approval) and appointing officials and judges

Article III

Establishes the judicial branch including the Supreme Court and lower courts and defines judicial power and jurisdiction including cases involving the Constitution federal laws and disputes between states

Article IV

Explains relationships between states including full faith and credit privileges and immunities extradition of fugitives and the process for admitting new states

Article V

Outlines the amendment process allowing the Constitution to be changed through proposal (by Congress or convention) and ratification (by states)

Article VI

Establishes the supremacy clause declaring that the Constitution federal laws and treaties are the supreme law of the land and requires officials to take an oath to support it

Article VII

Describes the ratification process stating that nine of the thirteen states were needed for the Constitution to take effect