The Seven Articles of the Constitution
The Articles of the Constitution are seven sections detailing how the founding fathers wanted our government to function.
Article I - The Legislative Branch
The main purpose of the Legislative branch is to create laws. The Legislative branch is split into the House of Representatives and the Senate, known as Congress. The Legislative branch can draft legislation, borrow money, declare war, and raise a military. It also keeps the Executive and Judicial branches in check.
Article II - The Executive Branch
The Executive branch controls different federal departments such as the Department of Treasury or Department of Defense. The head of the Executive branch is the President of the United States of America. The responsibilities of the President include appointing federal judges, making treaties with other nations, and running military operations as best and efficiently as possible.
Article III - The Judicial Branch
The Judicial branch is the main subject of Article III of the Constitution, specifically which powers the federal court system holds. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. All judges chosen by the President are appointed for life unless they resign because of behavior.
Article IV - The States
Article IV states the relationship between the federal government and the state government. The federal government protects the nation from foreign or domestic violence. Article IV also mentions that all the states are equal to each other and must respect each other's laws and judicial decisions.
Article V - Amending the Constitution
The Constitution, according to Article V, is a living document that can be amended is society requires it. Both Congress and the states have the power to initiate the amendment process.
Article VI - Supremacy
This Article states that the U.S. Constitution is the 'supreme Law of the Land' and that all members of government are required to swear an oath to the constitution.
Article VII - Ratification
This article lists those who signed the Constitution in 1787, representing the original 13 states.
Article I - The Legislative Branch
The main purpose of the Legislative branch is to create laws. The Legislative branch is split into the House of Representatives and the Senate, known as Congress. The Legislative branch can draft legislation, borrow money, declare war, and raise a military. It also keeps the Executive and Judicial branches in check.
Article II - The Executive Branch
The Executive branch controls different federal departments such as the Department of Treasury or Department of Defense. The head of the Executive branch is the President of the United States of America. The responsibilities of the President include appointing federal judges, making treaties with other nations, and running military operations as best and efficiently as possible.
Article III - The Judicial Branch
The Judicial branch is the main subject of Article III of the Constitution, specifically which powers the federal court system holds. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. All judges chosen by the President are appointed for life unless they resign because of behavior.
Article IV - The States
Article IV states the relationship between the federal government and the state government. The federal government protects the nation from foreign or domestic violence. Article IV also mentions that all the states are equal to each other and must respect each other's laws and judicial decisions.
Article V - Amending the Constitution
The Constitution, according to Article V, is a living document that can be amended is society requires it. Both Congress and the states have the power to initiate the amendment process.
Article VI - Supremacy
This Article states that the U.S. Constitution is the 'supreme Law of the Land' and that all members of government are required to swear an oath to the constitution.
Article VII - Ratification
This article lists those who signed the Constitution in 1787, representing the original 13 states.