Unit 3: The Constitution of the United States

Preamble

  • Purpose of the Constitution: Establish a perfect union, justice, tranquility, defense, welfare, and liberty.

Article I: Legislative Branch

Section 1: Legislative Powers
  • Legislative powers are vested in Congress, consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Section 2: House of Representatives
  • Composition: Members chosen every two years by the people.
  • Qualifications: Must be a citizen for at least seven years and at least 25 years old.
  • Representation and Apportionment: Based on population, with slaves counted as three-fifths.
  • Vacancies: State executives issue writs of election.
  • Powers: Choose Speaker and officers, sole power of impeachment.
Section 3: Senate
  • Composition: Two Senators from each state, elected for six years.
  • Qualifications: Age 30, nine years as a citizen.
  • Divisions: Senate divided into three classes for staggering elections.
  • Powers: Try impeachments, with the Chief Justice presiding over presidential trials.
Section 4: Elections
  • States control election regulations, Congress can alter them.
  • Congress must meet at least once a year (first Monday in December).
Section 5: House Powers
  • Each House judges its elections and qualifications, set quorum rules.
  • Keep a journal of proceedings, expel members with two-thirds consent.
Section 6: Compensation and Privileges
  • Senators and Representatives compensated, protected from arrest during sessions.
  • Restrictions on holding civil office.
Section 7: Legislative Process
  • Revenue bills originate in the House, Senate can amend.
  • Bills require presidential approval/signature; if vetoed, can be overridden by two-thirds.
Section 8: Powers of Congress
  • Taxation: Power to lay and collect taxes.
  • Borrowing: Borrow money, regulate commerce.
  • War Powers: Declare war, maintain armies, and establish a navy.
Section 9: Restrictions on Congress
  • No suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus except in emergencies.
  • Restrictions on direct taxation and export taxes.
Section 10: Restrictions on States
  • States cannot engage in treaties, coin money, or impose duties without federal consent.

Article II: Executive Branch

Section 1: President and Vice President
  • Term: Four years, with electoral process outlined.
  • Electoral Process: Includes electors from states, must be natural-born citizens.
Section 2: Powers of the President
  • Commander in Chief of armed forces, can grant pardons, and make treaties with Senate consent.
Section 3: Duties of the President
  • State of the Union address, ensure laws are faithfully executed, power to convene Congress.
Section 4: Impeachment
  • President and other officers may be removed for treason, bribery, or other crimes.

Article III: Judicial Branch

Section 1: Establishment
  • Supreme Court and inferior courts established by Congress.
  • Judges serve during good behavior, compensation may not be reduced.
Section 2: Jurisdiction
  • Extends to all laws and cases under the Constitution.
  • Original jurisdiction for ambassador and state cases, appellate jurisdiction otherwise.
Section 3: Treason
  • Defined as levying war or aiding enemies; two witnesses needed for conviction.

Article IV: States

Section 1: Full Faith and Credit
  • States must respect each other's public acts and records.
Section 2: Rights of Citizens
  • Citizens of each state entitled to privileges in other states.

Article V: Amendments

  • Amendment process requires two-thirds Congressional approval or state legislatures.

Article VI: Supremacy Clause

  • Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law; no religious tests for officeholders.

Article VII: Ratification

  • Constitution ratified by nine states needed for establishment.