U.S. Constitution

Image shows the first words of the U.S. Constitution – We the People

Article I

Article I calls for a Congress made up of a Senate and a House of Representatives. it says how Congress shall be elected and organized. it also says what Congress's duties shall be shall be and the relationship between Congress and the states.

  • Congress was forbidden to end the slave trade until at least 1808
  • Powers given to Congress are focused on taxes, regulation of commerce, declaring war and creating a military.
  • The "elastic" or "implied powers" clause allows for the expansion of powers in situations the framers could not foresee.
  • Section 10 takes powers away from the states which they had under the Articles of Confederation.

Article II

Article II creates the executive branch of the national government. it explains what the president's duties and powers are. it explains what will happen if the president dies or is removed from office.

  • The president shall be elected by electors chosen by each state. The Electoral College is all of the electors.
  • The president has the power to appoint all judges of the federal courts.

Article III

Article III says that one Supreme Court will head the judicial branch.

  • Judges serve for life as long as they commit no crime.
  • Congress has the power to set up lower federal courts as needed.
  • Judicial power comes to be defined by 4th Chief Justice john Marshall in 1803 as the power of judicial review = the power to interpret the law.

Article III also defines reason, the act of betraying the country.

Article IV

Article IV establishes the relationship between the states.

  • Congress has the power to form new states
  • A slave who escapes to a state that outlaws slavery must be returned to his or her owner if requested.

Article V

Article V explains the two ways the Constitution can be amended or changed. Using either method, 3/4s of the states must vote in favor of the amendment for it to pass.

Article VI

Article VI states:

  • The debts of the previous national government must sill be paid.
  • The Constitution is the supreme law of the land
  • All federal and state officials must take an oath of allegiance to the Constitution. But public officials cannot be required to follow a particular religion.
Article VII

If 9 States ratify this Constitution, it will become the law governing them.