M-Wakili

Ask a lawyer:
tell me about the sections in the constitution

The United States Constitution is divided into seven articles, each addressing a different aspect of the framework of government. Here's a breakdown:

Article I: The Legislative Branch

  • Establishes Congress (Senate and House of Representatives) as the lawmaking body.

  • Outlines powers of Congress: Including the power to tax, declare war, regulate commerce, coin money, and establish post offices.

  • Sets qualifications for members of Congress.

  • Details how laws are made.

Article II: The Executive Branch

  • Establishes the office of the President.

  • Outlines Presidential powers and responsibilities: Including Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, power to make treaties (with Senate approval), and appoint federal officials.

  • Sets qualifications for President.

  • Describes the process for electing the President (Electoral College).

Article III: The Judicial Branch

  • Establishes the Supreme Court and authorizes Congress to create lower federal courts.

  • Defines the jurisdiction of the federal courts.

  • Guarantees trial by jury in criminal cases.

  • Defines treason against the United States.

Article IV: Relations Among States

  • Requires states to give "full faith and credit" to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

  • Guarantees citizens of each state the same privileges and immunities as citizens of other states.

  • Establishes rules for admitting new states to the Union.

Article V: Amendment Process

  • Outlines the process for amending the Constitution.

  • Requires a supermajority (two-thirds of both houses of Congress or two-thirds of state legislatures) to propose amendments.

  • Requires ratification by three-fourths of the states for an amendment to become part of the Constitution.

Article VI: Supremacy Clause

  • Establishes the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties as the "supreme law of the land."

  • Requires state judges to uphold the Constitution, even if it conflicts with state laws.

Article VII: Ratification

  • Sets forth the requirements for ratification of the Constitution.

  • The Constitution became effective after ratification by nine states.

Amendments:

Following the original seven articles are 27 amendments. The first ten amendments are known as the Bill of Rights and guarantee fundamental individual liberties. The remaining 17 amendments address a variety of issues, including slavery, voting rights, and presidential succession.

This is a simplified overview. Each article and amendment contains detailed provisions that shape the structure and function of the U.S. government.

Answered by mwakili.com