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Table of Content for the Articles of the Constitution of the United States
- The United States Constitution.
- Articles of the Constitution of the United States.
a) Article I (Legislative Department)
b) Article II(Executive Department)
c) Article III (Judicial Department)
d) Article IV (Sates Relations)
e) Article V (Mode of Amendment)
f) Article VII (Ratification)
1. The United States Constitution.
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law in the country. It was adopted on September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and later ratified by conventions in each state.
The Constitution of the United States is one of the longest-surviving written documents of government in the world. The government of the United States exists to serve its citizens and to Affirm that The Constitution’s first three words are “We The People”. The Constitution outlines the structure of the federal government, its powers, and the rights of citizens. The first words of the United States Constitution, known as the Preamble are as follows:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America”
The Constitution of the United States was needed for several factors. Such as – Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the Desire for a Stronger Central Government, Ensuring Stability and Order, Protection of Individual Rights, and many more. But these are the key factors and the desire to establish a stronger and more effective system of governance grew the need for a constitution in the United States of America.
- Articles of the Constitution of the United States.
The Constitution of the United States is divided into seven articles, each addressing different aspects of the structure, powers, and functions of the federal government.And each article has several sections.
a) Article I (Legislative Department):
i. SECTION. 1 :
“All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives”
This statement establishes that Congress is exclusively given the authority to make laws for the United States. The term “legislative powers” is one of the fundamental functions of government which refers to the ability to create laws. The Constitution concentrates legislative authority at the federal level by essentially delegating these powers to Congress.
ii. SECTION. 2 :
The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.
No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.
[Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number offree Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons.]* The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three.
When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.
The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.
This statement outlines the composition, qualifications, and duties of the House of Representatives.
Composition :“The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States”Means representatives are elected by the citizens of their respective states for two-year terms to serve in the House.
Qualifications:To be qualified to serve as a representative, a person must be
The age of twenty-five years.
A citizen of the United States for at least seven years.
Be an inhabitant of the state they are chosen to represent at the time of their election
Apportionment of Representatives: The number of representatives each state is entitled to have is determined by the population of the state. The Constitution frames an equation for working out the populace count, which includes free persons, those bound to service for a term of years, and three-fifths of any remaining people (a reference to enslaved individuals at the time). The real list of the populace is to be conducted every ten years.
Vacancies and Elections:When a vacancy occurs in the representation of a State, the Executive Authority of that State shall issue a writ for election to fill such vacancy.
Powers of the House:The House of Representatives has the sole power of impeachment, that is, the power to indict federal officials, including the president, vice president, and other civilian officials, for “high crimes and misdemeanors.”
Election of Speaker and Officers:The House of Representatives has the authority to choose its Speaker and different officials.
iii. SECTION. 3 :
The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, [chosen by the Legislature thereof,]* for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.
Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year,
of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; [and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.]*
No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen
The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.
The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States
The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.
Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless
be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.
This statement outlines the composition, qualifications, and duties of the Senate.
Composition: A senate should be formed with two senators from each state.
Means regardless ofeach states population sizeeach state is equally represented in the Senate. Originally, Senators were chosen by the state legislatures but this was changed by the Seventeenth Amendmentto direct election by the peoplein 1913.
Service Length:Senators serve for a term of six years.
Classification of Senators: To maintain stability over time, the senators are divided into three classes for the election of one-third of the Senate every two years.
Qualifications:To be qualified to serve as a Senator, a person must be
The age of thirty years
A citizen of the United States for at least nine years.
Be an inhabitant of the state they are decided to represent at the time of their election.
Role of the Vice President:The Vice President of the United States serves as the President of the Senate, yet just votes in case of a tie. The vice president does not normally participate actively in the proceedings of the Senate, as his role is largely ceremonial.
Election of Officers: Other officers are choosen by the Senate including a President pro tempore who manages in the absence of the Vice President.
Impeachment Powers:The Senate alone has the power to try all impeachments.Impeachment trials involving the President are presided over by the Chief Justice of the United States. A two-thirds majority vote of senators present is required for conviction.
Limits of Impeachment Judgment: Impeachment proceedings are limited to removal from office and disqualification from future office under the United States. Nonetheless, the individual indicted stays subject to regular legal proceedings for any criminal offenses they might have carried out.
iv. SECTION 4:
The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may atb any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except asto the Places of chusing Senators.
The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be [on the first Monday in December,]* unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day.
It outlines the authority and responsibilities regarding the conduct of elections for Senators and Representatives.
State Authority over Election Regulations:The time, place, and manner of elections for senators and representatives are primarily determined by each state legislature. This means that individual states have the power to establish rules and procedures for conducting elections.
Congressional Oversight: Congress reserves by law the right to make or modify such regulations. It gives Congress the power to establish federal regulations governing voter registration requirements or the use of voting equipment.Congress’s authority under the jurisdiction of the states extends to all aspects of electoral regulation in which senators are elected.
Requirement for Congressional Assembly:According to the The statement Congress must assemble at least once every year.This gathering is traditionally scheduled for the first Monday in December unless Congress decides otherwise through legislation.
v. SECTION 5:
Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.
Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member.
Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas
and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal.
Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting
This Statement outlines several important rules and procedures governing the operation of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Judgment of Elections and Returns:Each House of Congress has the power to determine the validity of the election of its own members, returns, and the qualifications of their members
Quorum Requirement:A majority of the members of each House constitutes a quorum for conducting business. Nonetheless, fewer members might dismiss from day to day, and they might be engaged to force the attendance of absent members under penalties determined by each house.
Rules of Proceedings:Each House has the power to set its own rules of procedure, including punishing members for disorderly conduct andthe expulsion of members with the simultaneousness of 66% (two-thirds) of the house.
Publication of Proceedings:Both Houses shall keep a journal of their proceedings and publish them from time to time. Though, certain parts may be kept secret as necessary, and the yes and nay of members to any question must be entered in the journal at the request of one-fifth of those present.
Adjournment: Neither House may adjourn for more than three days during a session of Congress without the consent of the other House andthey can’t adjourn to some other spot than the one where the two houses are sitting.
vi. SECTION 6:
The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall in all
Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.
No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office
This statement outlines certain privileges and restrictions for members of Congress.
It specifies that senators and representatives shall receive compensation for their services from the treasury of the United States as determined by law.
Members of Congress are granted certain privileges such as immunity from arrest (except in cases of treason, felony, or breach of the peace) when attending or traveling to and from sessions of Congress.
Also, they can’t be addressed or considered responsible for any speech or debate tthat happens inside one or the other place of Congress in some other spot or court.
Members of Congress are restricted from being appointed to any civil office under the jurisdiction of the United States during the term for which they were elected if the office is created or its salary increased during that time.Similarly, a person may not be a member of either house of Congress if he holds an office under the United States
vii. SECTION 7:
All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills
Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and th Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the Unite States; If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall
be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by Yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively, If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in
like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law
Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill.
This statement outlines the process by which bills become laws.
It lays out that all bills for for raising revenue (taxes) must originate in the House of Representatives, although the Senate might propose or agree with alterations as on different bills.
After the bill is passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, it must be presented to the President of the United States. They signed the bill into law after the President approved it. Nonetheless, on the off chance that the President does not approve (vetoes) the bill, they return it to the house in which it began with their objections.
The originating house should then enter the President’s objections into their journal and rethink the bill.
It is sent to the other house only when two-thirds of that house agrees to pass the bill again.
which also must reconsider it. If two-thirds of that house also approves the bill, it becomes law.
If the President neither signs nor returns the bill within ten days (excluding Sundays) it becomes a law, except if Congress is concluded in which case it doesn’t become law (this is called a pocket veto).
The excerpt also states that any request, goal, or vote requiring the simultaneousness of both the Senate and the House of Representatives (except for questions of adjournment) should be introduced to the President for endorsement. If the President disapproves it should be repassed by 66% ( two-thirds) of both the Senate and the House of Representatives to take effect.
viii. SECTION 8:
The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United
States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;
To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;
To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;
To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;
To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;
To establish Post Offices and post Roads;
To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;
To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;
To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offenses against the Law of Nations;
To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;
To provide and maintain a Navy;
To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;
To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards and other needful Buildings;-And
To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of
the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof
This Statement enumerates the specific powers granted to the Congress of the United States.
The Congress have the power to levy and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States. However, all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States.
The Congress can borrow money on the credit of the United States.
The Congress has the authority to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several states, and with Indian tribes. Also, Congress can establish uniform rules of naturalization and bankruptcy laws throughout the country.
The Congress is enabled to coin money, regulate its value, and establish standard weights and measures. It also has the power to punish counterfeiting.
The Congress have the authority to establish Post Offices and post Roads.
The Congress can promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries (copyright and patent protection).
The Congress can establish inferior tribunals to the Supreme Court
The Congress can define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offenses against the Law of Nations.
The Congress have the power to declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water.
The Congress can raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money for that purpose can be for a longer term than two years. It can also provide and maintain a navy.
The Congress have the authority to make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces.
The Congress can provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions.
The Congress can organize, arm, and discipline the militia, with the states retaining the authority to appoint officers and train the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress
The Congress has restrictive regulation over the government area (Washington D.C.) and different spots purchased by the consent of the state legislatures for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dockyards, and other fundamental structures.
Congress can make all laws vital and legitimate for conveying into execution the prior powers and any remaining powers vested by the Constitution in the public authority of the US or in any division or official thereof. This clause is frequently referred to as the “necessary and proper clause” or the “elastic clause.”
ix. SECTION 9:
The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person
The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.
[No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken.]*
No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State
No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.
No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.
No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept
of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
This Statement outlines limiting the federal government’s power to regulate immigration, suspend writs of habeas corpus, pass certain types of laws (such as bills of attainder or ex post facto laws), impose taxes, regulate trade, grant titles of nobility, and accept gifts or titles from foreign entities, etc. Various prohibitions and restrictions on co-powers.
x. SECTION 10:
No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.
No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it’s inspection. Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress.
No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.
This Statement outlines restrictions on the powers of individual states inside the US. States within the United Statesprohibited from engaging in certain activities Such as entering into treaties, alliances, or confederations; coining money; emitting bills of credit; passing bills of attainder or ex post facto laws; impairing the obligation of contracts; granting titles of nobility; laying duties on imports or exports without certain conditions being met; keeping troops or ships of war in times of peace without consent; entering into agreements or compacts with other states or foreign powers without consent; or engaging in war without certain conditions being met.
b) ARTICAL Article II (Executive Department)
i. SECTION 1.
The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows:
Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.
[The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for President; and if no Personm have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. But in chusing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from each State having one Vote; A quorum for this Purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President. But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate shall chuse from them by Ballot the Vice President.]*
The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States.
No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States
In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.]*
The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them.
Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:- “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
This Statement outlines the powers and responsibilities of the executive branch, particularly the President of the United States.
The executive Power is vested in a President of the United States of America, , who serves a four-year term along with the Vice President and are elected by electors chosen by each state. The number of electors is equal to the state’s total number of senators and representatives in Congress.
The process of electing the President involves the selection of electors by each state. They can vote for two persons (at least one of whom must not be from their state). Congress counts the votes and appoints the candidate with the majority as president.If no candidate receives a majority vote, the House of Representatives chooses the President.
The President must meet certain eligibility criteriato become one. including being a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and having been a resident of the United States for at least 14 years.
In case of the inability of the President to perform his duties, such as removal from office, death, or resignation, the Vice President assumes the duties of the President.
The President is qualified to compensation for their services, which can’t be changed during their term. They are likewise expected to make a vow to reliably execute the obligations of the workplace and maintain the Constitution.
ii. SECTION 2.
The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.
He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.
The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.
This Statement outlines additional powers and responsibilities of the President.
The President serves as the Commander in Chief of the United States Army and Navy.The President may seek the written opinion of the principal officers of the Executive Department on matters relating to their duties.
Moreover, the President has the ability to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the US, except cases of impeachment.
The President has the power to make treaties with the advice and consent of the Senate.A two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is required. Unless the Constitution specifies otherwise the President also has the authority to nominate and appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States.
The President has the ability to fill vacancies that might happen during the opening of the Senate by allowing commissions that expire toward the finish of the Senate’s next meeting.
iii. SECTION 3.
He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States
This Statement outlinesadditional duties and powers of the President.
The President is expected to occasionally provide Congress with data about the condition of the union and to suggest measures that he considers significant and convenient for their thought.
The President has the power to convene the two houses of Congress, or both of them, on extraordinary events. Moreover If there is disagreement between the Houses about the time of adjournment and the President may adjourn them if he thinks fit.
The President has the responsibility to receive ambassadors and other public ministers, representing the United States in diplomatic matters.
The President is obligated to ensure that the laws of the United States are faithfully executed.This obligation emphasizes the President’s job as the chief enforcer of the country’s laws.
At long last, the President is liable for commissioning all officials of the US, accordingly conceding them position to perform their duties inside the federal government.
iv. SECTION 4.
The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.
This Statement outlines that the President, Vice President, and all civil officers of the United States can be removed from office through the process of impeachment for and conviction of “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.”
The House of Representatives brings charges against a federal official through the impeachment process and the Senate conducts a trial to determine whether to remove the official from office.
The reason for impeachment are determined as “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors,” however the translation of what is these offenses can fluctuate. In the event that the Senate convicts the authority by a two-thirds majority vote, they are removed from office.
C) Article III (Judicial Department)
i. SECTION 1.
The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.
This Statement outlines the structure and principles of the judicial branch of the United States government.
The legal force of the US is vested in one Supreme Court and in any substandard courts that Congress lays out. This arrangement permits Congress the power to make lower government courts as the as necessary.
Judges of both the Supreme Court and inferior courts hold their workplaces during appropriate conduct, which basically implies they serve for life except if they are removed and taken out from office. This arrangement is intended to guarantee legal autonomy and forestall political obstruction in the legal executive.
Judges get pay for their services, and this compensation can’t be lessened during their tenure in office. This arrangement is intended to safeguard legal autonomy by guaranteeing that judges’ compensations are not manipulation to control or intimidation by different branches of government.
ii. SECTION 2.
The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority; – to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls; – to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction; – to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party; – to Controversies between two or more States; – [between a State and Citizens of another State;-]* between Citizens of different States, – between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, [and between a State, or the Citizens thereof;- and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects.]*
In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall
have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.
The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment; shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed.
g) SECTION 3.
Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convictedof Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of thePerson attainted.
This Statement outlinestreason against the United States.According to this section, treason consists only of two explicit demonstrations: exacting war against the United States or adhering to their enemies, giving them help and solace. Furthermore, the Constitution lays out severe necessities for conviction of treason, including the testimony of two observers to the same overt act or a confession in open court.
Besides, while Congress has the ability to declare the punishment for treason, it is explicitly expressed that no attainder of treason will bring about corruption of blood or relinquishment besides during the existence of the individual attainted. This provision guarantees that the discipline for treason is restricted to the individual indicted and doesn’t extend out to their family or heirs.
d) Article IV (Sates Relations):
i. SECTION 1.
Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.
This Statement defines that each state must give full faith and credit to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.This means Legal documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and court judgments issued in one state must be recognized and respected by all other states.
Moreover, this section grants Congress the power to lay out general laws dictating the manner in which such acts, records, and proceedings are to be proven and the effect they have. This provision guarantees consistency and uniformity in the recognition and implementation of authoritative reports across the various states of the United States.
ii. SECTION 2.
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime.
No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall be delivered up onClaim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due.]*
This Statement outlines several provisions.
The first provision ensures that citizens of each state are entitled to enjoy all the privileges and immunities enjoyed by citizens of different states and is known as the “Privileges and Immunities Clause”.
The second provision states that if a person is charged with treason, felony or any other offense and escapes to another state, at the demand of the executive authority of the state where the offense was committed, that person must be extradited and returned. This is often referred to as the “extradition clause”.
The third provision addressed the escape of slaves from one state to another. It mandates that if a person in the service or labor of one state runs away to another state (ie, a slave), they must be returned to the state from which they ran away upon the claim of the party to whom their service or labor is owed. This provision was later superseded by the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States. This is often referred to as the “fugitive slave clause”.
iii. SECTION 3.
New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formedby the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.
The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudiceany Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.
This Statement addresses the admission of new states into the Union and the management of territories belonging to the United States.
It grants Congress the authority to concede new states into the Union. However, it prohibits the development of new states within the jurisdiction of existing states without the assent of the governing bodies of the states concerned as well as the assent of Congress.It likewise disallows the development of another state by the intersection of at least two states or portions of states without similar consent.
Furthermore, this Statement engages Congress to make rules and guidelines in regards to domains or other property having a place with the US. This includes the governance and administration of regions before they become states.
Lastly, it guarantees that nothing in the Constitution will prejudice any cases of the US or of a specific state. This provision protects the interests and privileges of both the federal government and individual states with respect to regional issues.
iv. SECTION 4.
The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.
This Statement outlines two key guarantees provided by the federal government to the states.
Each state is guaranteed a government where the people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf rather than a monarchy or dictatorship. Means the United States guarantees each state in the union a republican form of government.
The federal government vows to safeguard each state against invasion. This involves protection against external dangers to the sovereignty and security of the states.
Furthermore, in case of aggressive behavior within a state, on the off chance that the legislature can’t gather, the leader (generally the governor) can demand government help to control the violence and reestablish request. This provision guarantees that states can depend on government support in times of internal turmoil or unrest.
e) Article V (Mode of Amendment):
The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three-fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.
This Statement outlines the process for amending the Constitution.
Amendments may be proposed by Congress or by a convention called by two-thirds of the state legislatures
When proposed, an alteration should be ratified by the same token:
a. The assemblies of three-fourths of the states, or
b. Conventions in three-fourths of the states, contingent upon the method of ratification proposed by Congress.
The provision includes two exceptions:
a. No amendment made prior to the year 1808 can affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article. This refers to the prohibition of Congress from interfering with the importation of slaves before 1808.
b. No state can be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate without its consent. This ensures that the equal representation of states in the Senate, with each state having two senators, cannot be altered without the consent of the affected state(s).
Article VI (Prior debts, national supremacy, oaths of office)
All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation.
This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.
The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States
This Statement ,
- Ensure that all obligations and commitments contracted before the adoption of the Constitution stay legitimate under the new Constitution.
- Establishes that the Constitution, regulations sanctioned by Congress as per the Constitution, and settlements made under the authority of the US are the incomparable rule that everyone must follow. It further specifies that appointed authorities in each state should comply with these regulations, superseding any clashing provisions in state constitutions or regulations.
- All senators, representatives, state legislators, and executive and judicial officers, both at the federal and state levels, must take an oath or affirmation to support the Constitution and it is binding. Additionally, it expressly prohibits any religious test as a qualification to hold any office or public trust under the United States. This clause upholds the principle of religious freedom and ensures that people are not discriminated against on the basis of their religious beliefs when seeking office.
f) Article VII (Ratification)
The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same.
Done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty
seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth In Witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names
Go. Washington–Presidt:
and deputy from Virginia
NEW HAMPSHIRE
John Langdon
Nicholas Gilman
MASSACHUSETTS
Nathaniel Gorham
Rufus King
CONNECTICUT
Wm. Saml. Johnson
Roger Sherman
NEW YORK
Alexander Hamilton
NEW JERSEY
Wil: Livingston
David Brearley
Wm. Paterson
Jona: Dayton
PENNSYLVANIA
B Franklin
Thomas Mifflin
Robt Morris
Geo. Clymer
Thos. FitzSimons
Jared Ingersoll
James Wilson
Gouv Morris
This Statement is the closing passage of the United States Constitution, which records the ratification of the Constitution by the Constitutional Convention and lists the delegates who signed it.
This passage states that the ratification of nine states would be sufficient for the Constitution to be established between those states. It also specifies the date of the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention, September 17, 1787, and acknowledges the unanimous consent of the states present at the convention.