Title: United States Constitution, 1788

United States Constitution

- Preamble
- Article I
- Article II
- Article III
- Article IV
- Article V
- Article VI
- Article VII

Preamble

Article 1

US Constitution

Q: The Constitution replaced what governing document?
A: The Articles of Confederation

Article II

Article III

Article IV

Article IV

Article IV

Article IV

Preamble

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.

Preamble

Q: Where does the Constitution's authority come from?
A: The people of the United States.

Introduction

Introduction

Article I

Article 1

Article I

- Section 1
- Section 2
- Section 3
- Section 4
- Section 5
- Section 6
- Section 7
- Section 8
- Section 9
- Section 10

Article I - Section 1

Article I - Section 2

Article I - Section 3

US Constitution - Article I

Q: Article I of the Constitution deals with which branch of the national government?
A: Legislative

Article I - Section 4

Article I - Section 5

Article I - Section 6

Article I - Section 7

Article I - Section 8

Article I - Section 9

Introduction

Introduction

Article I - Section 10

Article 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.

Article I - Section 1

Q: What two bodies make up the national legislature?
A: Senate and House of Representatives

Article I

Article 1

Section 2

Article i Section 2

Article I - Section 2 a

Article I - 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.

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Article I - Section 2

Q: Who elects the members of the House of Representatives?
A: The people of the state.

Q: What are the qualifications for being elected a member of the House of Representatives?
A: Must be at least 25 years old, must have been a citizen of the US for at least 7 years, and must live in the state you represent.

Article I

Article 1

Section 2 (b)

Article I - Section 2 b

Article I - Section 2 b

Article I - Section 2 (b)

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. 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.

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Article I - Section 2

Q: How is the number of Representatives for each state determined?
A: Population

Q: How is a state's population determined every decade?
A: By a census

Q: How were slaves initially counted in terms of a state's population?
A: As three-fifths of a free person

Article I

Article 1

Section 2 (c)

Article I - Section 2 c

Article I - Section 2 c

Article I - Section 2 (c)

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.

Article I - Section 2

Q: Which check on the power of the Executive Branch is found in Article I - Section 2?
A: Power of impeachment

Article I

Article 1

Section 3

Article I - Section 3

Article I - Section 3 a

Article I - 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.

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Article I - Section 2

Q: How is the number of Senators for each state determined?
A: Each state has two

Q: How were the Senators for each state initially chosen?
A: By the state's legislature

Article I

Article 1

Section 3 (b)

Article I - Section 3 b

Article I - Section 3 b

Article I - Section 3 (b)

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.

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Article I - Section 2

Q: What are the qualifications for being elected a member of the Senate?
A: Must be at least 30 years old, must have been a citizen of the US for at least 9 years, and must live in the state you represent.

Q: What role does the Executive Branch play in the Senate?
A: Vice President serves as non-voting, except in cases of a tie, President of Senate.

Article I

Article 1

Article I - Section 3 c

Section 3 (c)

Article I - Section 3 c

Article I - Section 3 (c)

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.

Article I - Section 3 (c)

Q: Which check on the power of the Executive Branch is found in Article 1 - Section 3?
A: Power to try all impeachments

Article I

Article 1

Section 4

Article I - Section 4

Article I - 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 at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to 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.

Article I - Section 4

Q: Who controls the manner in which Congressional elections are held?
A: Power is shared by national Congress and state legislature

Article I

Article 1

Section 5

Article I - Section 5

Article I - Section 5 a

Article I - 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.

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Article I - Section 5

Q: Who decides whether an election of a member to the House of Representatives or the Senate is legitimate?
A: Each legislative house judges for itself

Article I

Article 1

Section 5 (b)

Article I - Section 5 (b)

Article I - Section 5 b

Article I - Section 5 (b)

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.

Article I - Section 5 (b)

Q: When must the vote of individual Congressional members be recorded?
A: When desired by at least one-fifth of the legislative body's members

Article I

Article 1

Section 6

Article I - Section 6

Article I - 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.

Article I - Section 6

Q: Who pays the salaries of members of the national legislature?
A: National government

Q: National legislators were protected from prosecution for what activity?
A: For the things they said or the work they did in the legislature

Q: Why were members of the national legislature prohibited from concurrently holding a federal office?
A: To ensure separation of powers among legislative, judical,and executive branches

Article I

Article 1

Section 7

Article I - Section 7

Article I - Section 7 a

Article I - 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.

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Article I - Section 7 (a)

Q: Which legislative chamber was responsible for introducting bills that involve taxes.
A: House of Representaties

Article I

Article 1

Section 7 (b)

Article I - Section 7 (b)

Article I - Section 7 b

Article I - Section 7 (b)

Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it becomes 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.

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Article I - Section 7 (b)

Q: Why does the President have to sign bills approved by congress before they can become law?
A: It provides an Executive Branch check on the power of the legislature

Article I

Article 1

Section 7 (c)

Article I - Section 7 (c)

Article I - Section 7 c

Article I - Section 7 (c)

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.

Article I - Section 7 (c)

Q: How can congress overturn a Presidential veto?
A: With a supporting vote by two-thirds of the House and the Senate

Article I

Article 1

Section 8

Article I - Section 8

Article I - Section 8 a

Article I - 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;

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Article I - Section 8 (a)

Q: Which of the powers mentioned above were not given to the national legislature in the Articles of Confederation?
A: The power to tax and to control trade

Article I

Article 1

Section 8 (b)

Article I - Section 8 (b)

Article I - Section 8 b

Article I - Section 8 (b)

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;

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Article I - Section 8 (b)

Q: What are some of the monetary powers granted Congress?
A: Power to print money, regulate its value, and punish counterfeiters

Q: What does it mean that Congress has the power to establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization?
A: They can set up the rules by which immigrants become citizens

Q: How was Congress empowered to promote science and useful arts?
A: By creating national patent and copyright laws

Article I

Article 1

Section 8 (c)

Article I - Section 8 (c)

Article I - Section 8 c

Article I - Section 8 (c)

To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;

To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences 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;

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Article I - Section 8 (c)

Q: What military powers were granted Congress in the above section of the Constitution?
A: Power declare war, raise an army, and appropriate money for the army

Q: What does it mean to grant a "Letter of Marque and Reprisal"?
A: Authorized a private person, known as a privateer, to attack ship of a nation at war with the US

Article I

Article 1

Section 8 (d)

Article I - Section 8 (d)

Article I - Section 8 d

Article I - Section 8 (d)

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;

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Article I - Section 8 (d)

Q: What military powers were granted to Congress in the above section of the Constitution?
A: Power raise a navy and organize militias

Q: How does a militia differ from a national army?
A: A militia is a group of civilian (non-government) forces that exist to supplement a professional army

Q: What part of governing a militia was reserved to the states?
A: The appointment of officers and the training

Article I

Article 1

Section 8 (e)

Article I - Section 8 (e)

Article I - Section 8 e

Article I - Section 8 (e)

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.

Article I - Section 8 (e)

Q: Who controls the governance of the national capital of the US?
A: The national legislature

Q: What does the "necessary and proper" clause mean?
A: Provides the legislature with the ability to carry out the powers granted them by the Constitution.

Article I

Article 1

Section 9

Article I - Section 9

Article I - Section 9 a

Article I - 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.

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Article I - Section 9 (a)

Q: What does Article I -Section 9 of the Constitution do?
A: Places specific limits on areas that Congress can enact legislation

Q: The importation of what persons could Congress not prohibit until 1808?
A: Slaves

Q: What is the Writ of Habeas Corpus?
A: The ability of prisoners to ask the courts to determine if their detention is lawful

Q: What is a bill of attainder?
A: Laws directed against a specific person or group that makes them automatically guilty of a crime

Q: What is an ex post facto law?
A: Laws that make an action illegal after someone has already done it

Article I

Article 1

Section 9 (b)

Article I - Section 9 (b)

Article I - Section 9 b

Article I - Section 9 (b)

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.

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Article I - Section 8 (b)

Q: Initially what types of taxes was Congress forbidden to collect?
A: Direct taxes, taxes on exports, or taxes good moving between two states

Article I

Article 1

Section 9 (c)

Article I - Section 9 (c)

Article I - Section 9 c

Article I - Section 9 (c)

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.

Article I - Section 9 (c)

Q: What part of Article I - Section 9 can be read as a rejection of monarchy?
A: The part forbidding Congress from granting titles of nobility

Q: What are US officials prevented from accepting from a foreign state or leader?
A: Accepting a title of nobility, an office, or gift without Congress's consent.

Article I

Article 1

Section 10

Article I - Section 10

Article I - Section 10 a

Article I - 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.

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Article I - Section 10 (a)

Q: What is the purpose of this part of Article I - Section 10?
A: To limit the power of states to conduct foreign policy, print money, tax foreign trade, and constrain citizens judicial rights

Article I

Article 1

Section 10 (b)

Article I - Section 10 (b)

Article I - Section 10 b

Article I - Section 10 (b)

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.

Article I - Section 10 (b)

Q: What is the purpose of this part of Article I - Section 10?
A: To limit the power of the States to maintain an army or navy or start a war

Article I

Article 1

Article II

Article II

Article II

- Section 1
- Section 2
- Section 3
- Section 4

Article II - Section 1

Article II - Section 2

Article II - Section 3

US Constitution - Article II

Q: Article II of the Constitution deals with which branch of the national government?
A: Executive

Article II - Section 4

Introduction

Introduction

Article II - Section 1 a

Article II - 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.

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Article II - Section 1 (a)

Q: How long is the term of the President?
A: Four years

Q: The electors who vote for the President are commonly known as what today?
A: Electoral College

Q: How are the electors who vote for the President chosen?
A: As determined by each state's legislature

Q: How many electors does each state have?
A: The same number as represents the state in the Senate and the House

Article II

Article II

Section 1 (b)

Article II - Section 1 (b)

Article II - Section 1 b

Article II - Section 1 (b)

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.

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Article II - Section 1 (b)

Q: How many votes does each Elector cast?
A: Each Elector votes for two different people

Q: How are the votes of the Electoral College counted?
A: By the President of the Senate in the presence of members of the national Congress

Article II

Article II

Section 1 (c)

Article II - Section 1 (c)

Article II - Section 1 c

Article II - Section 1 (c)

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 Person 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.

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Article II - Section 1 (c)

Q: Does the person with the most Electoral College votes become president?
A: Only if they also have a majority (over 50%) of the votes

Q: What happens if two people are tied with the highest vote count and both have majorities?
A: The members of the House of Representatives gets to vote on which one will be President

Q: What happens if none of the Presidential candidates have a majority of Electoral College votes?
A: Each state will have one vote (as determined by its House of Representatives members) to select from the five candidates who recieved the highest vote totals

Article II

Article II

Section 1 (d)

Article II - Section 1 (d)

Article II - Section 1 d

Article II - Section 1 (d)

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.

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Article II - Section 1 (d)

Q: How was the vice-president initially selected?
A: It was the person who received the second most votes from the Electoral College.

Q: What requirements did candidates for President have to meet?
A: Had to be a natural-born citizen, be at least 35 years old, and have resided in the US for 14 years

Article II

Article II

Section 1 (e)

Article II - Section 1 (e)

Article II - Section 1 e

Article II - Section 1 (e)

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.”

Article II - Section 1 (d)

Q: What happens if the President dies or is removed from office before his term expires?
A: The Vice President assume the position

Q: What does it mean that the President can not receive any Emolument?
A: President is prohibited from receiving any compensation or perks besides salary

Article II

Article II

Section 2

Article II - Section 2

Article II - Section 2 a

Article 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 Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.

(continued on next slide)

Article II - Section 2 (a)

Q: What is the check on the President's power as Commander in Chief?
A: Congress declares war, raises the army, and appropriates money for the military

Q: What does the reference to executive departments refer to?
A: Executive agencies like the Department of Justice and Department of State

Article II

Article II

Section 2 (b)

Article II - Section 2 (b)

Article II - Section 2 b

Article II - Section 2 (b)

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 other- wise 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.

Article II - Section 2 (a)

Q: What is the check on the President's power to make treaties?
A: Two-Thirds of Senators must agree

Q: How are Supreme Court Justices, ambassadors, federal judges, and cabinet heads selected?
A: Appointed by the President and ratified by a majority of Senators

Article II

Article II

Section 3

Article II - Section 3

Article II - 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.

Article II - Section 3

Q: Whose responsibility is it to carry out the laws passed by Congress?
A: The President

Q: Where is the concept of executive power or executive orders mentioned in the Constitution?
A: It is implied by the President's responsibility that laws be faithfully executed

Q: Where is the concept of executive privilege mentioned in the Constitution?
A: It is implied by the President's responsibility that laws be faithfully executed

Article II

Article II

Section 4

Article II - Section 4

Article II - 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.

Article II - Section 4

Q: How is impeachment a check on executive and judicial authority?
A: Congress has the authority to impeach and remove these officials

Q: What does high crimes and misdemeanors mean?
A: There is no formal definition. It is intrepreted by Congressional officials in light of political interest, institutional relationships, and historical precedent

Article II

Article II

Article III

Article II - Section 4

Article III

- Section 1
- Section 2
- Section 3

Article III - Section 1

Article II - Section 2

Article II - Section 3

US Constitution - Article III

Q: Article III of the Constitution deals with which branch of the national government?
A: Judicial

Introduction

Introduction

Article III - 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.

Article III - Section 1

Q: What does the phrase: Judges... shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour mean?
A: That federal judges can only be removed for misconduct. They have lifetime appointments.

Q: How many Supreme Court justices should there be according to the Constitution?
A: No specific number is specified by the Constitution. Today there are nine justices on the Supreme Court.

Q: Why can a federal judge's salary not be reduced?
A: This prevents members of Congress from punishing a judge when they do not like a decision.

Article III

Article III

Section 2

Article III - Section 2

Article III - Section 2 a

Article III - 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 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.

(continued on next slide)

Article III - Section 2 a

Q: How are disagreements over the interpretation of the Constitution resolved?
A: They are decided by the federal courts.

Q: How are disagreements about the laws passed by Congress decided?
A: They are decided by the federal courts.

Article III

Article III

Section 2 (b)

Article III - Section 2 (b)

Article III - Section 2 b

Article III - Section 2 (b)

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.

Article III - Section 2 b

Q: What right do defendants in federal criminal trials have?
A: The right to trial by jury

Q: Where are most federal criminal trials held?
A: In the state were the alleged crime occurred

Article III

Article III

Section 3

Article III - Section 3

Article III - 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 convicted of 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 the Person attainted.

Article III - Section 3

Q: Does a US treason conviction require someone to physically take up arms against America?
A: No - providing money, information, or weapons to an enemy falls under the giving "Aid and Comfort" treason definition

Q: What does " no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood" mean?
A: That the family of the person found guilty of treason can not be punished for the crime unless they were involved.

Article III

Article III

Article IV

Article IV

Article IV

- Section 1
- Section 2
- Section 3
- Section 4

Article III - Section 1

Article II - Section 2

Article II - Section 3

US Constitution - Article IV

Q: Article IV of the Constitution deals with what?
A: States

Article II - Section 3

Introduction

Introduction

Article IV - 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.

Article IV - Section 1

Q: What does the "Full Faith and Credit" phrase of this section mean?
A: Ensures that states honor the laws and court order of other states even when their own laws are different. For example, a marriage or divorce in one state would be recognized in all other states.

Article IV

Article III

Section 2

Article IV - Section 2

Article IV - 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 on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due.

Article IV - Section 2

Q: Can states have different laws for residents from another state?
A: No, states should largely treat residents from another state the same as its own residents.

Q: Can a person accused of a crime in one state escape prosecution by fleeing to another state?
A: No, states must return fugitives to the state where the alleged crime was committed.

Q: Could run-away slaves who made it to a state that outlawed slavery be granted their freedom?
A: No, slaveowners had the right to recapture runaway slaves to fled to a free state.

Article IV

Article III

Section 3

Article IV - Section 2

Article IV - 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 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.

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 Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.

Article IV - Section 2

Q: What limitations did Congress have on its power to establish new states?
A: It could not create a new state out of the land of one or more than one existing states without the consent of those states.

Q: Who controlled US lands which were not states?
A: Congress

Q: Does the Constitution give Congress the power to sell or otherwise dispose of US territory?
A: Yes

Q: Does the admittance of a new state require the federal government to give up ownership of all land within that newly admitted state?
A: No

Article IV

Article III

Section 4

Article IV - Section 2

Article 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 can-not be convened) against domestic Violence.

Article IV - Section 4

Q: What limitations are there on the type of government a state US can establish?
A: It must be a representative democracy

Q: Can the federal government intervene in a state militarily to supress a internal violent uprising.
A: Yes, if requested by that state's legislature or executive

Article IV

Article III

Article V

Article V

Article V

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.

Article V

Q: Article V of the Constitution deals with what?
A: Amending the Constitution

Q: What are the two ways the Constitution can be amended?
A: 1. 2/3s of national legislature calls for a change that is approved by 2/3s of the states. 2. When 2/3s of the states call for a national constitutional convention.

Q: What two Constitutional Amendments are forbidden before 1808?
A: 1. Ending the international slave trade, and 2. Removing the 3/5 compromise for counting slaves for direct taxation purposes (Article I, Section 9).

Q: What type of Constitutional Amendment was forbidden without the consent of the affected state?
A: A state losing its equal number of votes in the Senate.

Introduction

Article III

Article VI

Article IV - Section 2

Article VI

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.

Article VI

Q: Article VI of the Constitution deals with what?
A: Prior debts, national supremacy,and oaths of office

Q: By adopting the Constitution were Americans still obligated to pay debts contracted under the Articles of Confederation?
A: Yes

Q: When state law conflicts with national law, which law prevails?
A: National law

Q: Are national elected officials and federal judges obliged to uphold the Constitution?
A: Yes, they take an oath upon being sworn into office to support the Constitution.

Q: What does the Constitution, as adopted in 1788, say about religious freedom?
A: No public official can be required to practice or uphold the beliefs of any religion.

Introduction

Article I

Article VII

Article IV - Section 2

Article VII

The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same.

Article VII

Q: Article VII of the Constitution deals with what?
A: Ratification of the Constitution

Q: How many of the original 13 states had to ratify the Constitution before it became the new government of the United States?
A: Nine

Introduction

Article I