Read Your Constitution DeB 10

The PENGUIN GUIDE to the UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION

by Richard Beeman

Article II Section 1

The presidential oath is a remarkably simple one, wholly appropriate to a republican society. In taking the oath of office for the first time on April 30, 1789, George Washington added the words ''So help me, God'' to his oath, a tradition that has been continued by nearly every subsequent president.

Americans have grumbled about the imperfections of the electoral college system from the day when it was first debated in the Constitutional Convention up to the present, but for the most part, it has managed to produce victors in the presidential contests whose legitimacy as duly elected chief executives has no been challenged. There have been exceptions: the election of John Quincy Adams, decided by the House of Representatives in 1824; the election of a ''minority'' Republican president, Abraham Lincoln, in 1860, which led to the secession of the Southern states; the disputed 1876 presidential election between Samual Tilden and Rutherford B. Hayes, in the final days of Reconstruction; and the contested election of George W. Bush in 2000, ultimately decided by the Supreme Court. Each of these cases has provoked criticism of the electoral college system, but up to this point neither Congress nor the American people have moved to the obvious alternative: direct popular election of the president.

Opinions about the length of the president's term varied widely, with proposals ranging from a minimum of two years to a term pf ''during good behavior'' -- or effectively, for life. The delegates also disagreed about whether the president should be eligible for reelection. The decision on a four-year term seemed to satisfy most delegates and, by avoiding mentioning anything about the president's eligibility for reelection, the framers left the question of how any terms a president should serve up to the voters. George Washington's decision to serve only two terms in office set a precedent that lasted until the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who won election to the presidency four times, serving from 1933 until his death in 1945. In 1951 Congress passed, and the states ratified, the Twenty-second Amendment, limiting presidents to two terms.

Although Congress is given responsibility for setting the president salary, it may not increase or decrease his salary during his term of service, a provision designed to render the president independent of the Congress's will.

The decision to require that a president be a ''natural born Citizen'' of the United Stats was made in the Convention with little discussion and probably with little thought. Indeed, eight of the delegates to the Convention had themselves been born outside British North America (all were born in the British Isles and would in any case have been eligible to serve as president because they were citizens of the United States at ht time of the adoption of the Constitution). In an age in which America's economy, culture, and politics are increasingly shaped by recent immigrants, this particular constitutional provision seems a good candidate for amendment.

Although initially designed The newly created political party system functioned in away that caused slates of presidential electors to be pledged in advance to vote for particular candidates, with the result being that American voters,whose number were expanding as the number of citizens eligible to vote expanded, were now casting their vote, not on the basis of the identity of the individual electors, but on the basis of the identity of the of the individual electors, bit on the merits of the candidates themselves. The invention of political -- a development occurring wholly outside America's constitutional system -- fundamentally changed the way the Constitution operated, transforming it from a ''republican'' but elitist political system into a truly democratic one.

The opening words of Article II, Section 1, are both remarkably simple and maddeningly vague: ''The executive Power shall be vested on a President of the United States of America''.'' While other sections of Article II provide some specificity on the nature and extent of presidential power, for the most part the language of Article II relating to executive power is far less specific than that of Article I defining congressional power.

The next part of Article II, Section 1 reflects the torment the Convention delegates experienced as they wrestled with the question of how to give the president sufficient power without giving him excessive power, as well as how to free him from excessive dependence on the legislature while at the same time assuring that he did not become, in their terms, an ''elective monarch.'' While one would think that the best way to do this would be to have the president elected by and answerable to the people of the nation at large, the vast majority of delegates feared that the American people were simply too provincial -- too ignorant of the merits of possible presidential candidates across a land as vast as that of the thirteen states of which America was then comprised -- to make a wise choice. For that reason, for most of the Convention the delegates inclined toward election of the president by Congress, the House of Representatives. But this method ran the risk of violating the principles of separation of powers by making the president unduly dependent upon the Congress for his election.For n=much of the summer of 1787, the delegates argued unproductively about the various alternatives for electing the president, and finally, in the tortured language of Article II, section 1, they called for the creation of an electoral college: a groiup of independent electors, selected in each of the states ''in such a Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct,'' who would then cast their ballots for a president and vice president.`

This provision defines the president's most important duty: to succeed the president in case of his death, disability, or removal from office. The framers left the line of succession in the event of the vice president's death, disability, resignation, or removal up to Congress. The Twenty-fifth Amendment, adopted in 1967, provided a means by which a president could select, with the confirmation of a majority of members of Congress, another vice president.

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The Constitution of the United States of America
as originally adopted
(Ratified June 21, 1788)

Overview
Courtesy U.S. Archives "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 3777-SOX=1001011010101We 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. >

"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 3777-SOX=1011011010101All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives. >

Section 2
DeB 3777-SOX=1011021010101The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011021010102and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011021020101No 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011021030101Representatives 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. >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011021030201The 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. >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011021030301The 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011021040101When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011021050101The House of Representatives shall chuse [ choose ] their Speaker and other Officers; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011021050102and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment. >

Section 3
DeB 3777-SOX=1011031010101The 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011031020101Immediately 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011031030101No 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011031040101The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011031050101The 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011031060101The 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011031070101Judgment 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. >

Section 4
DeB 3777-SOX=1011041010101The 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011041020101The 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. >

Section 5
DeB 3777-SOX=1011051010101Each 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011051020101Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011051030101Each 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011051040101Neither 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. >

Section 6
DeB 3777-SOX=1011061010101The 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. >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011061010201They 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; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011061010202and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011061020101No 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; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011061020102and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office. >

Section 7
DeB 3777-SOX=1011071010101All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011071020101Every 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011071030101Every 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. >

Section 8
DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010101The 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; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010102but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States; >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010103To borrow Money on the credit of the United States; >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010104To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010105and among the several States, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010106and with the Indian Tribes; >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010107To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010108and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States; >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010109To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010110and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures; >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010111To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States; >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010112To establish Post Offices and post Roads; >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010113To 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; >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010114To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court; >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010115To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010116and Offences against the Law of Nations; >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010117To declare War, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010118grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010119and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water; >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010120To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years; >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010121To provide and maintain a Navy; >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010122To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces; >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010123To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions; >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010124To 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; >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010125To 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 >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011081010126To 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. >

Section 9
DeB 3777-SOX=1011091010101The 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011091020101The 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011091030101No Bill of Attainder >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011091030102or ex post facto Law shall be passed. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011091040101No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011091050101No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011091060101No 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011091070101No 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011091080101No 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. >

Section 10
DeB 3777-SOX=1011101010101No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011101010102coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011101010103pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011101010104or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1011101010105or grant any Title of Nobility. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011101020101No 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1011101030101No 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. >

"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

Section 1
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Section 2
DeB 3777-SOX=1021021010101The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1021021010102and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1021021010103he 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, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1021021010104and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment. >
DeB 3777-SOX=1021021010303but 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1021021020101He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1021021020102and 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: >

DeB 3777-SOX=1021021030101The 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. >

Section 3
DeB 3777-SOX=1021031010101He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1021031010102and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1021031010102he 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; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1021031010104he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1021031010105he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1021031010106and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States. >

Section 4
DeB 3777-SOX=1021041010101The 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. >

"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 3777-SOX=1031011010101The judicial Power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme Court >
DeB 3777-SOX=1031011010102and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. >
DeB 3777-SOX=1031011010201The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1031011010202and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office. >

Section 2
DeB 3777-SOX=1031021010101The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1031021010102and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1031021010103to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1031021010104to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1031021010105to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1031021010106to Controversies between two or more States, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1031021010107between a State and Citizens of another State; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1031021010109between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1031021010110and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1031021020101In 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. >
DeB 3777-SOX=1031021020102In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1031021020103 with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1031021030101The 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. >

Section 3
DeB 3777-SOX=1031031010101Treason 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1031031020101The 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. >

"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 3777-SOX=1041011010101Full 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. >

Section 2
DeB 3777-SOX=1041021010101The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1041021020101A 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1041021030101No 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 on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due. >

Section 3
DeB 3777-SOX=1041031010101New 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1041031020101The 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; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1041031020102and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State. >

Section 4
DeB 3777-SOX=1041041010101The 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. >

"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 3777-SOX=1051011010101The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, >
DeB 3777-SOX=1051011010102or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which >
DeB 3777-SOX=1051011010103in 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; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1051011010104Provided 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; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1051011010105and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate. >

"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 3777-SOX=1061011010101All 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1061011020101This 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. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1061011030101The 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; >
DeB 3777-SOX=1061011030102but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States. >

"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 3777-SOX=1071011010101The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same. >

DeB 3777-SOX=1071021010101Done 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. >