The Constitution of the United States comprises the primary law of the U.S. Federal Government.
It also describes the three chief branches of the Federal Government and their jurisdictions.
In addition, it lays out the basic rights of citizens of the United States.
The Constitution of the United States is the oldest Federal constitution in existence and was
framed by a convention of delegates from twelve of the thirteen original states in Philadelphia
in May 1787. The Constitution is the landmark legal document of the United States.
- Preamble
- Statement of the purpose of this document
- Article I
- Definition of Congress
- Section 1
- The authority to make new laws belongs to Congress,
which is in two parts -- The House of Representatives and The Senate.
- Section 2 (modified by Amendment 14.2)
- Details on The House of Representatives -- how long terms are, how many per state, ....
- Section 3 (modified by Amendment 17)
- Details on The Senate -- how long terms are, how many per state, ....
- Section 4 (modified by Amendment 20.2)
- Each state decides how to elect Representatives and Senators.
Congress meets at least once a year.
- Section 5
- Each House decides for itself how the meetings are run.
A record is kept of all proceedings. Neither House may close early without the consent of the other.
- Section 6
- During session, Representatives and Senators are exempt from many laws.
May not serve in any other civil office while serving in Congress.
- Section 7
- How laws raising money must proceed. The Checks and Balances for new laws.
All votes recorded. How Congress can overrule the President.
- Section 8
- Only Congress can define and collect taxes. Various other powers of Congress.
- Section 9 (modified by Amendment 16)
- Limits on certains kinds of laws and taxes that Congress may not do.
- Section 10
- Things States may not do without prior permission from Congress.
- Article II
- Definition of The President
- Section 1 (modified by Amendment 12 and Amendment 25)
- Details on how long the President serves, and how the President is elected.
- Section 2
- The President commands the military.
The President can make treaties with other countries.
The President can appoint people to finish out terms if there is a vacancy in Congress.
- Section 3
- The President reports to Congress and may raise topics for their consideration.
The President sees to it that laws passed by Congress are enforced.
- Section 4
- The President (and other elected and appointed officials) will be
removed from office if both Impeached and Convicted of Treason, Bribery or
other High Crimes and Misdemeanors.
- Article III
- Definition of the Supreme Court
- Section 1
- The Supreme Court rules on cases of law, may establish other courts.
Such judges hold office for life. Compensation never decreases.
- Section 2 (modified by Amendment 11)
- Details on what kind of cases this court rules on.
- Section 3
- Definition of Treason; limits punishment to the individual.
- Article IV
- Definition of State Equality
- Section 1
- State decisions are acknowledged by all states.
- Section 2 (modified by Amendment 13)
- Citizens of one state are citizens of all states.
Citizens charged with crimes in one State and fleeing to another State, will be extridited.
Legal contracts in one State are binding even in a State where they would not have been legal.
- Section 3
- Details on how new States can join.
- Section 4
- Every state guaranteed republic form of government,
protection from invasion, protection from domestic violence.
- Article V
- Definition of how Congress may make Amendments to this Constitution.
- Article VI
- All promises made by this government before this Constitution was written are still binding.
This Constitution and the laws made by Congress override any State Constitution or State level law.
All elected and appointed public officials are bound by this Constitution.
There shall be no religious test for any elected or appointed public office.
- Article VII
- Definition of how this Constitution gets ratified into Law.