"The Constitution of the United States contains a preamble and seven articles that describe the way the government is structured and how it operates.
The first three articles establish the three branches of government and their powers: Legislative (Congress), Executive (office of the President,) and Judicial (Federal court system).
A system of checks and balances prevents any one of these separate powers from becoming dominant.
Articles four through seven describe the relationship of the states to the Federal Government, establish the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, and define the amendment and ratification processes."
 
U.S.Archives
Preamble
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
"Article I assigns the responsibility for making laws to the Legislative Branch (Congress).
Congress is divided into two parts, or "Houses," the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The bicameral Congress was a compromise between the large states, which wanted representation based on population, and the small ones, which wanted the states to have equal representation."
 
U.S.Archives
Section 1
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 2
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, >HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.>HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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 of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons.Note: Modified by the 14th Amendment, section 2.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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. >HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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 [ choose ] 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.>HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The Senate shall chuse [ choose ] 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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Article I Section 4
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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 at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing [ choosing ] Senators.>HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipedia
Article I Section 5
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaCases
Article I Section 6
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Article I Section 7
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United 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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Article I Section 8
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;>HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations,>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-and among the several States,>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-and with the Indian Tribes;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization,>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin,>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist PapersCases
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist PapersCases
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-To establish Post Offices and post Roads;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas,>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-and Offences against the Law of Nations;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-To declare War,>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal,>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-To provide and maintain a Navy;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaCases
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Article I Section 9
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.Note: By "Person(s)" the authors were referring to "Slave(s)">HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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 Control of the Congress.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipediaFederalist Papers
"Article II details the Executive Branch and the offices of the President and Vice President.
It lays down rules for electing the President (through the Electoral College), eligibility (must be a natural-born citizen at least 35 years old), and term length.
The 12th and 25th Amendments modified some of these rules."
 
U.S.Archives
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The Congress may determine the Time of chusing [ choosing ] the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.Note: Replaced by 25th Amendment.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.">HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 2
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States,>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaCases
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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,>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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:>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
Section 4
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
"Article III establishes the Judicial Branch with the U.S.
Supreme Court as the federal court system's highest court.
It specifies that Federal judges be appointed for life unless they commit a serious crime.
This article is shorter than Articles I and II. The Federal Convention left much of the work of planning the court system to the First Congress.
The 1789 Judiciary Act created the three-tiered court system in place today."
 
U.S.Archives
Section 1
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The judicial Power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme Court>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.>HeritageMiscellaneous
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour,>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, >HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0- with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.>HeritageMiscellaneous
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 3
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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 convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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 the Person attainted.>HeritageMiscellaneousFederalist Papers
"Article IV outlines states' powers in relationship to each other.
States have the authority to create and enforce their own laws but must respect and help enforce the laws of other states.
Congress may pass Federal laws regarding how states honor other states' laws and records."
 
U.S.Archives
Section 1
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 2
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneous
Section 3
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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 formed by 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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 4
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
"Article V explains the amendment process, which is different and more difficult than the process for making laws.
When two-thirds of the Senate and two-thirds of the House of Representatives vote to change the Constitution, an amendment goes to the state legislatures for a vote. Alternatively, two-thirds of the state legislatures can submit an application to Congress, and then Congress calls a national convention at which states propose amendments.
Three-fourths of the state legislatures or state conventions must vote in favor of an amendment to ratify it."
 
U.S.Archives
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution,>HeritageMiscellaneousFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which>HeritageMiscellaneousFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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; >HeritageMiscellaneous
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
"Article VI states that Federal law is supreme, or higher than, state and local laws.
This means that if a state law conflicts with a Federal law, Federal law takes precedence."
 
U.S.Archives
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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;>HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
"Article VII describes the ratification process for the Constitution. It called for special state ratifying conventions.
Nine states were required to enact the Constitution." New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution on June 21, 1788. (RYC editor's note)
"Rhode Island became the 13th state to ratify the Constitution in 1790."
 
U.S.Archives
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaFederalist Papers
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-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.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
"The Constitution might never have been ratified if the framers hadn't promised to add a Bill of Rights.
The first ten amendments to the Constitution gave citizens more confidence in the new government and contain many of today's Americans' most valued freedoms."
U.S.Archives
"The Bill of Rights is the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution. It spells out Americans' rights in relation to their government. It guarantees civil rights and liberties to the individual-like freedom of speech, press, and religion. It sets rules for due process of law and reserves all powers not delegated to the Federal Government to the people or the States.
And it specifies that "the enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people."
 
U.S.Archives
Amendment I
Date Ratified: 12/15/1791
"The First Amendment provides several rights protections: to express ideas through speech and the press, to assemble or gather with a group to protest or for other reasons, and to ask the government to fix problems.
It also protects the right to religious beliefs and practices.
It prevents the government from creating or favoring a religion."
 
U.S.Archives
"The Third Amendment prevents government from forcing homeowners to allow soldiers to use their homes.
Before the Revolutionary War, laws gave British soldiers the right to take over private homes."
 
U.S.Archives
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
"The Fourth Amendment bars the government from unreasonable search and seizure of an individual or their private property."
 
U.S.Archives
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated,>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
"The Fifth Amendment provides several protections for people accused of crimes. It states that serious criminal charges must be started by a grand jury.
A person cannot be tried twice for the same offense (double jeopardy) or have property taken away without just compensation.
People have the right against self-incrimination and cannot be imprisoned without due process of law (fair procedures and trials.)"
 
U.S.Archives
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury,>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb;>HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself,>HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law;>HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.>HeritageMiscellaneousCornell LawWikipedia
"The Sixth Amendment provides additional protections to people accused of crimes, such as the right to a speedy and public trial, trial by an impartial jury in criminal cases, and to be informed of criminal charges.
Witnesses must face the accused, and the accused is allowed his or her own witnesses and to be represented by a lawyer."
 
U.S.Archives
"The Seventh Amendment extends the right to a jury trial in Federal civil cases."
 
U.S.Archives
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, >HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
"The Ninth Amendment states that listing specific rights in the Constitution does not mean that people do not have other rights that have not been spelled out."
 
U.S.Archives
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaCases
"The Tenth Amendment says that the Federal Government only has those powers delegated in the Constitution.
If it isn't listed, it belongs to the states or to the people."
 
U.S.Archives
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaCases
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State.Note: Modified Article III, section 2, clause 1.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The Electors shall meet in their respective states and vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves; they shall name in their ballots the person voted for as President, and in distinct ballots the person voted for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as President, and of all persons voted for as Vice-President, and of the number of votes for each, which lists 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 for President, shall be the President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed; and if no person have such majority, then from the persons having the highest numbers not exceeding three on the list of those voted for as President, the House of Representatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the President. But in choosing 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. And if the House of Representatives shall not choose a President whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the fourth day of March next following, then the Vice-President shall act as President, as in case of the death or other constitutional disability of the President. -- The person having the greatest number of votes as Vice-President, shall be the Vice-President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed, and if no person have a majority, then from the two highest numbers on the list, the Senate shall choose the Vice-President; a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the whole number of Senators, and a majority of the whole number shall be necessary to a choice. But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the United States.Note: Modified Article II, section 1, clause 3.Note: Superseded by the 20th Amendment, section 3.>MiscellaneousCornell LawWikipedia
Section 1
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-No State shall make or enforce any law>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States >HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law;>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 2
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice-President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such State.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 3
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.Note: Modifies Article I, section 2. >HeritageMiscellaneousWikipediaStatutes
Section 4
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.>HeritageMiscellaneous
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures.Note: Supersedes portion of Article I, section 3, clause 1.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.Note: Supercedes Article I, section 3, clause 2, final sentence.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 1
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.Note: Repealed by the 21st Amendment.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 3
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.Note: Repealed by the 21st Amendment>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 1
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 3
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-If, at the time fixed for the beginning of the term of the President, the President elect shall have died, the Vice President elect shall become President. If a President shall not have been chosen before the time fixed for the beginning of his term, or if the President elect shall have failed to qualify, then the Vice President elect shall act as President until a President shall have qualified; and the Congress may by law provide for the case wherein neither a President elect nor a Vice President elect shall have qualified, declaring who shall then act as President, or the manner in which one who is to act shall be selected, and such person shall act accordingly until a President or Vice President shall have qualified.Note: Supersedes a portion of the 12th Amendment.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 4
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The Congress may by law provide for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the House of Representatives may choose a President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them, and for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the Senate may choose a Vice President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 5
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-Sections 1 and 2 shall take effect on the 15th day of October following the ratification of this article.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 6
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years from the date of its submission.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 2
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The transportation or importation into any State, Territory, or possession of the United States for delivery or use therein of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited.Note: Repeals the 18th Amendment.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 3
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by conventions in the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.Note: Repeals the 18th Amendment>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 2
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years from the date of its submission to the States by the Congress.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 1
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The District constituting the seat of government of the United States shall appoint in such manner as the Congress may direct:>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-A number of electors of President and Vice President equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a state, but in no event more than the least populous state; they shall be in addition to those appointed by the states, but they shall be considered, for the purposes of the election of President and Vice President, to be electors appointed by a state; and they shall meet in the District and perform such duties as provided by the twelfth article of amendment.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 2
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 1
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 2
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 3
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-Whenever the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.Note: Modifies Article II, section 1, clause 6.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 4
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.Note: Modifies Article II, section 1, clause 6.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty-eight hours for that purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within twenty-one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty-one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office.Note: Modifies Article II, section 1, clause 6.>MiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 1
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.Note: Modifies Amendment 14, section 2.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia
Section 2
DeB 3946-Fld41=0-The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.>HeritageMiscellaneousWikipedia