This booklet describes the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States which are the two most important, and enduring documents in the history of the United States of America.
1. The Declaration of & the of the United States M-654 (rev. 07/08)
2. The Declaration of & the of the United States
3. Message from the Director “The sacred rights of mankind are not to be The Declaration of Independence and the rummaged for, among old parchments, or musty Constitution of the United States are the two most records.They are written, as with a sun beam important, and enduring documents in our Nation’s history. It has been said that “the Declaration of in the whole volume of human nature, by the Independence was the promise; the Constitution hand of the divinity itself; and can never be was the fulfillment.” More than 200 years ago, our Founding erased or obscured by mortal power.” Fathers set out to establish a government based — Alexander Hamilton, 1775 on individual rights and the rule of law. The Declaration of Independence, which officially broke all political ties between the American colonies and Great Britain, set forth the ideas and “The basis of our political systems is the principles behind a just and fair government, and the Constitution outlined how this government right of the people to make and to alter would function. Our founding documents have their Constitutions of Government. But the withstood the test of time, rising to the challenge each time they were called upon. Constitution which at any time exists, ‘till Make no mistake, we have been presented with changed by an explicit and authentic act of the a timeless framework for self-government, but in order to preserve this wonderful gift, we must hold whole People is sacredly obligatory upon all.” these principles close to our hearts. I encourage you — George Washington, 1796 to read and understand these documents. I promise you will be nothing short of inspired. Director “The Declaration of Independence...[is the] U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services declaratory charter of our rights, and of the rights of man.” — Thomas Jefferson, 1819
4. The DECLARATION OF InDEPEnDeNCE Action of Second Continental Congress, July 4, 1776 The Unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America When in the Course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation. We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness—That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed. But when
5. a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing He has refused for a long Time, after such invariably the same Object, evinces a design to reduce Dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to Annihilation, have returned to the People at large provide new Guards for their future Security. Such for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean has been the patient Sufferance of these Colonies; time exposed to all the Dangers of Invasion from and such is now the Necessity which constrains without, and Convulsions within. them to alter their former Systems of Government. He has endeavoured to prevent the Population The History of the present King of Great-Britain of these States; for that Purpose obstructing the is a History of repeated Injuries and Usurpations, Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to all having in direct Object the Establishment of an pass others to encourage their Migrations hither, absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let and raising the Conditions of new Appropriations Facts be submitted to a candid World. of Lands. He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, wholesome and necessary for the public Good. by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws Judiciary Powers. of immediate and pressing Importance, unless He has made Judges dependent on his Will suspended in their Operation till his Assent should alone, for the Tenure of their Offices, and the be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly Amount and Payment of their Salaries. neglected to attend to them. He has erected a Multitude of new Offices, He has refused to pass other Laws for the and sent hither Swarms of Officers to harrass our Accommodation of large Districts of People, People, and eat out their Substance. unless those People would relinquish the Right He has kept among us, in Times of Peace, of Representation in the Legislature, a Right Standing Armies, without the consent of our inestimable to them, and formidable to Tyrants Legislatures. only. He has affected to render the Military He has called together Legislative Bodies at independent of and superior to the Civil Power. Places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from He has combined with others to subject us the Depository of their public Records, for the sole to a Jurisdiction foreign to our Constitution, and Purpose of fatiguing them into Compliance with unacknowledged by our Laws; giving his Assent to his Measures. their Acts of pretended Legislation: He has dissolved Representative Houses For quartering large Bodies of Armed Troops repeatedly, for opposing with manly Firmness his among us: Invasions on the Rights of the People.
6. For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from paralleled in the most barbarous Ages, and totally Punishment for any Murders which they should unworthy the Head of a civilized Nation. commit on the Inhabitants of these States: He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken For cutting off our Trade with all Parts of the Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against World: their Country, to become the Executioners of their For imposing Taxes on us without our Friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Consent: Hands. For depriving us, in many Cases, of the Benefits He has excited domestic Insurrections of Trial by Jury: amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for Inhabitants of our Frontiers, the merciless Indian pretended Offences: Savages, whose known Rule of Warfare, is an For abolishing the free System of English undistinguished Destruction of all Ages, Sexes and Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing Conditions. therein an arbitrary Government, and enlarging its In every stage of these Oppressions we have Boundaries, so as to render it at once an Example Petitioned for Redress in the most humble Terms: and fit Instrument for introducing the same Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by absolute Rule into these Colonies: repeated Injury. A Prince, whose Character is thus For taking away our Charters, abolishing our marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally unfit to be the Ruler of a free People. the Forms of our Governments: Nor have we been wanting in Attentions to For suspending our own Legislatures, and our British Brethren. We have warned them from declaring themselves invested with Power to Time to Time of Attempts by their Legislature to legislate for us in all Cases whatsoever. extend an unwarrantable Jurisdiction over us. We He has abdicated Government here, by have reminded them of the Circumstances of our declaring us out of his Protection and waging War Emigration and Settlement here. We have appealed against us. to their native Justice and Magnanimity, and we He has plundered our Seas, ravaged our Coasts, have conjured them by the Ties of our common burnt our Towns, and destroyed the Lives of our Kindred to disavow these Usurpations, which, People. would inevitably interrupt our Connections and He is, at this Time, transporting large Armies Correspondence. They too have been deaf to the of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the Works of Voice of Justice and of Consanguinity. We must, Death, Desolation, and Tyranny, already begun therefore, acquiesce in the Necessity, which with circumstances of Cruelty and Perfidy, scarcely denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we
7. hold the rest of Mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace, Signers of the Declaration of Independence Georgia: Benjamin Franklin We, therefore, the Representatives of the united Button Gwinnett John Morton States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, Lyman Hall George Clymer appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for George Walton James Smith the Rectitude of our Intentions, do, in the Name, North Carolina: George Taylor James Wilson and by Authority of the good People of these William Hooper Joseph Hewes George Ross Colonies, solemnly Publish and Declare, That these John Penn Delaware: United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free Caesar Rodney South Carolina: and Independent States; that they are absolved from George Read Edward Rutledge all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all Thomas Heyward, Jr. Thomas McKean political Connection between them and the State of Thomas Lynch, Jr. New York: Great-Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; Arthur Middleton William Floyd Philip Livingston and that as Free and Independent States, they have Massachusetts: Francis Lewis full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Samuel Adams John Adams Lewis Morris Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Robert Treat Paine New Jersey: Acts and Things which Independent States may of Elbridge Gerry Richard Stockton right do. —And for the support of this Declaration, John Hancock John Witherspoon with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Maryland: Francis Hopkinson Samuel Chase John Hart Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Abraham Clark William Paca Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor. Thomas Stone New Hampshire: Charles Carroll of Carrollton Josiah Bartlett Signed by ORDER and in BEHALF of the CONGRESS, Matthew Thornton Virginia: George Wythe William Whipple John Hancock, President Richard Henry Lee Rhode Island: Attest. Thomas Jefferson Stephen Hopkins Charles Thomson, Secretary Benjamin Harrison William Ellery Thomas Nelson, Jr. Connecticut: Francis Lightfoot Lee Roger Sherman Carter Braxton Samuel Huntington Pennsylvania: William Williams Robert Morris Oliver Wolcott Benjamin Rush
8. The Constitution of the United States of America 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. 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. 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. [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
9. Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth of all other Persons.] The actual Enumeration Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of shall be made within three Years after the first the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and every second Year; [and if Vacancies happen by within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of Manner as they shall by Law direct. The number the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof of Representatives shall not exceed one for every may make temporary Appointments until the next thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill one Representative; and until such enumeration such Vacancies.] shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall No Person shall be a Senator who shall not be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey four, shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, State for which he shall be chosen. Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina The Vice President of the United States shall five, and Georgia three. be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, When vacancies happen in the Representation unless they be equally divided. from any State, the Executive Authority thereof The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies. and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence The House of Representatives shall chuse their of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Office of President of the United States. Power of Impeachment. The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Section. 3. The Senate of the United States Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be composed of two Senators from each State, shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President [chosen by the Legislature thereof,] for six Years; of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall and each Senator shall have one Vote. preside: And no Person shall be convicted without Immediately after they shall be assembled in the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members Consequence of the first Election, they shall be present. divided as equally as may be into three Classes. Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall not extend further than to removal from Office, be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: Changed by section 2 of the Fourteenth Amendment. Changed by the Seventeenth Amendment. Changed by the Seventeenth Amendment.
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10. but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable Neither House, during the Session of Congress, and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for Punishment, according to Law. more than three days, nor to any other Place than Section. 4. The Times, Places and Manner of that in which the two Houses shall be sitting. holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, Section. 6. The Senators and Representatives shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury make or alter such Regulations, except as to the of the United States. They shall in all Cases, except Places of chusing Senators. Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be The Congress shall assemble at least once in privileged from Arrest during their Attendance every Year, and such Meeting shall be [on the first at the Session of their respective Houses, and in Monday in December,] unless they shall by Law going to and returning from the same; and for any appoint a different Day. Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be Section. 5. Each House shall be the Judge of questioned in any other Place. the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own No Senator or Representative shall, during the Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may civil Office under the Authority of the United States, adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to which shall have been created, or the Emoluments compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such whereof shall have been encreased during such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House time; and no Person holding any Office under the may provide. United States, shall be a Member of either House Each House may determine the Rules of its during his Continuance in Office. Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Section. 7. All Bills for raising Revenue shall Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two originate in the House of Representatives; but the thirds, expel a Member. Senate may propose or concur with Amendments Each House shall keep a Journal of its as on other Bills. Proceedings, and from time to time publish Every Bill which shall have passed the House the same, excepting such Parts as may in their of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays become a Law, be presented to the President of of the Members of either House on any question the United States; If he approve he shall sign it, shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be but if not he shall return it, with his Objections entered on the Journal. to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Changed by section 2 of the Twentieth Amendment. 12 13
11. Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such To borrow Money on the credit of the United Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall States; agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, the Objections, to the other House, by which it and among the several States, and with the Indian shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by Tribes; two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies determined by yeas and Nays, and the Names of throughout the United States; the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and entered on the Journal of each House respectively. of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights If any Bill shall not be returned by the President and Measures; within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting have been presented to him, the Same shall be a the Securities and current Coin of the United Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless States; the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its To establish Post Offices and post Roads; Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law. To promote the Progress of Science and useful Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Representatives may be necessary (except on a Writings and Discoveries; question of Adjournment) shall be presented to To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme the President of the United States; and before the Court; Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or To define and punish Piracies and Felonies being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two committed on the high Seas, and Offences against thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, the Law of Nations; according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and in the Case of a Bill. Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Section. 8. The Congress shall have Power To Land and Water; lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, To raise and support Armies, but no to pay the Debts and provide for the common Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a Defence and general Welfare of the United States; longer Term than two Years; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform To provide and maintain a Navy; throughout the United States; To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces; 14 15
12. To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of repel Invasions; Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require To provide for organizing, arming, and it. disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall Part of them as may be employed in the Service of be passed. the United States, reserving to the States respectively, No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority unless in Proportion to the Census or enumeration of training the Militia according to the discipline herein before directed to be taken. prescribed by Congress; No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases exported from any State. whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding No Preference shall be given by any Regulation ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, Seat of the Government of the United States, and or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased Duties in another. by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Buildings;—And Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money To make all Laws which shall be necessary shall be published from time to time. and proper for carrying into Execution the No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by United States: And no Person holding any Office this Constitution in the Government of the United of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the States, or in any Department or Officer thereof. Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Section. 9. The Migration or Importation Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, of such Persons as any of the States now existing from any King, Prince, or foreign State. shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited Section. 10. No State shall enter into any Treaty, by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender dollars for each Person. in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex See the Sixteenth Amendment.
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13. post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility. State with themselves. And they shall make a List No State shall, without the Consent of the of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the for executing it’s inspection Laws: and the net Government of the United States, directed to the Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State President of the Senate. The President of the Senate on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the the Congress. greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if No State shall, without the Consent of such Number be a Majority of the whole Number Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, of Electors appointed; and if there be more than or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any one who have such Majority, and have an equal Agreement or Compact with another State, or with Number of Votes, then the House of Representatives a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not President; and if no Person have a Majority, then admit of delay. from the five highest on the List the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. But in chusing Article. II. the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, Section. 1. The executive Power shall be vested the Representation from each State having one in a President of the United States of America. He Vote; A quorum for this Purpose shall consist of a shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, Member or Members from two thirds of the States, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary the same Term, be elected, as follows: to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as President, the Person having the greatest Number the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President. Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and But if there should remain two or more who have Representatives to which the State may be entitled equal Votes, the Senate shall chuse from them by in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, Ballot the Vice President.] or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under The Congress may determine the Time of the United States, shall be appointed an Elector. chusing the Electors, and the Day on which they [The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom Changed by the Twelfth Amendment.
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14. shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same Section. 2. The President shall be Commander throughout the United States. in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, No Person except a natural born Citizen, or and of the Militia of the several States, when called a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the into the actual Service of the United States; he may Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal the Office of President; neither shall any Person be Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon eligible to that Office who shall not have attained any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves Years a Resident within the United States. and Pardons for Offences against the United States, [In Case of the Removal of the President from except in Cases of Impeachment. Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to He shall have Power, by and with the Advice discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President, and provided two thirds of the Senators present the Congress may by Law provide for the Case concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint of the President and Vice President, declaring Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, what Officer shall then act as President, and such Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be of the United States, whose Appointments are not removed, or a President shall be elected.] herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be The President shall, at stated Times, receive for established by Law: but the Congress may by Law his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as be increased nor diminished during the Period for they think proper, in the President alone, in the which he shall have been elected, and he shall not Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments. receive within that Period any other Emolument The President shall have Power to fill up all from the United States, or any of them. Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:—”I expire at the End of their next Session. do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully Section. 3. He shall from time to time give execute the Office of President of the United States, to the Congress Information of the State of the and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect Union, and recommend to their Consideration and defend the Constitution of the United States.” such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Changed by the Twenty-Fifth Amendment. 20 21
15. Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect State;—] between Citizens of different States;— to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall under Grants of different States, [and between a receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, Citizens or Subjects.] and shall Commission all the Officers of the United In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other States. public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which Section. 4. The President,Vice President and all a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Misdemeanors. Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make. Article III. The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Section. 1. The judicial Power of the United Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and be held in the State where the said Crimes shall in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from have been committed; but when not committed time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Places as the Congress may by Law have directed. Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Section. 3. Treason against the United States, Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, shall consist only in levying War against them, or which shall not be diminished during their in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Continuance in Office. Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason Section. 2. The judicial Power shall extend unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court. Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and The Congress shall have Power to declare the Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason Authority;—to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture other public Ministers and Consuls;—to all Cases except during the Life of the Person attainted. 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 Changed by the Eleventh Amendment.
Changed by the Eleventh Amendment.
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16. Article. IV. the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution Section. 1. Full Faith and Credit shall be given shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial the United States, or of any particular State. Proceedings of every other State; And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in Section. 4. The United States shall guarantee which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be to every State in this Union a Republican Form of proved, and the Effect thereof. Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or Section. 2. The Citizens of each State shall be of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens convened) against domestic Violence. in the several States. A Person charged in any State with Treason, Article. V. Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, The Congress, whenever two thirds of both and be found in another State, shall on Demand of Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose the executive Authority of the State from which he Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the having Jurisdiction of the Crime. several States, shall call a Convention for proposing [No Person held to Service or Labour in one Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, of the several States, or by Conventions in three but shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of whom such Service or Labour may be due.]10 Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Section. 3. New States may be admitted by Provided that no Amendment which may be made the Congress into this Union; but no new State prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived without the Consent of the Legislatures of the of it’s equal Suffrage in the Senate. States concerned as well as of the Congress. The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and Article. VI. make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall Changed by the Thirteenth Amendment. 24 25
17. be as valid against the United States under this Signers of the Constitution, as under the Confederation. Constitution of the United States of America This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; New Hampshire Delaware John Langdon Geo: Read and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, Nicholas Gilman Gunning Bedford jun under the Authority of the United States, shall be Massachusetts John Dickinson the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in Nathaniel Gorham Richard Bassett every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Rufus King Jaco: Broom Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary Connecticut Maryland Wm. Saml. Johnson James McHenry notwithstanding. Dan of St Thos. Jenifer Roger Sherman The Senators and Representatives before Danl Carroll mentioned, and the Members of the several State New York Alexander Hamilton Virginia Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, John Blair— New Jersey James Madison Jr. both of the United States and of the several States, Wil: Livingston shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support David Brearley North Carolina this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be Wm. Paterson Wm. Blount Jona: Dayton Richd. Dobbs Spaight required as a Qualification to any Office or public Hu Williamson Trust under the United States. Pennsylvania South Carolina B Franklin Article. VII. Thomas Mifflin J. Rutledge Robt Morris Charles Cotesworth Pinckney The Ratification of the Conventions of nine Geo. Clymer Charles Pinckney Pierce Butler States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of Thos. FitzSimons this Constitution between the States so ratifying Jared Ingersoll Georgia James Wilson William Few the Same. Gouv Morris Abr Baldwin done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Attest William Jackson Secretary 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, G°.Washington—Presid.t and deputy from Virginia 26 27
18. In Convention Monday That after such Publication the Electors should September 17th 1787. be appointed, and the Senators and Representatives elected: That the Electors should meet on the Present Day fixed for the Election of the President, and The States of should transmit their Votes certified, signed, sealed and directed, as the Constitution requires, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Mr. to the Secretary of the United States in Congress Hamilton from NewYork, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, assembled, that the Senators and Representatives Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, should convene at the Time and Place assigned; South Carolina and Georgia. that the Senators should appoint a President of the Senate, for the sole Purpose of receiving, opening Resolved, and counting the Votes for President; and, that after That the preceeding Constitution be laid he shall be chosen, the Congress, together with before the United States in Congress assembled, the President, should, without Delay, proceed to and that it is the Opinion of this Convention, that execute this Constitution. it should afterwards be submitted to a Convention of Delegates, chosen in each State by the People By the unanimous Order of the Convention thereof, under the Recommendation of its G°. WASHINGTON—Presid.t Legislature, for their Assent and Ratification; and W. JACKSON Secretary. that each Convention assenting to, and ratifying the Same, should give Notice thereof to the United States in Congress assembled. Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Convention, that as soon as the Conventions of nine States shall have ratified this Constitution, the United States in Congress assembled should fix a Day on which Electors should be appointed by the States which shall have ratified the same, and a Day on which the Electors should assemble to vote for the President, and the Time and Place for commencing Proceedings under this Constitution. 28 29
19. Congress OF THE United States11 Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to the begun and held at the City of New-York, fifth Article of the original Constitution.... on Wednesday the fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine FREDERICK AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG Speaker of the House of Representatives. THE Conventions of a number of the JOHN ADAMS, Vice-President of the United States, States, having at the time of their adopting the and President of the Senate. Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent ATTEST, misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further JOHN BECKLEY, Clerk of the House of Representatives. declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: SAM. A. OTIS, Secretary of the Senate. And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution: RESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following Articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, all or any of which Articles, when ratified by three fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of the said Constitution; viz.t. ARTICLES in addition to, and Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress, and ratified by the n September 25, 1789, Congress transmitted to the O state legislatures twelve proposed amendments, two of which, having to do with Congressional representation and Congressional pay, were not adopted. The remaining ten amendments became the Bill of Rights. The amendment concerning Congressional pay was ratified on May 7, 1992, becoming the Twenty-Seventh Amendment to the Constitution. 30 31
20. Amendments12 to the Constitution of the United States of America Amendment I. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Amendment II. A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. Amendment III. No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. Amendment IV. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. The first ten Amendments (the Bill of Rights) were ratified 12 effective December 15, 1791. 32 33
21. Amendment V. Amendment VIII. No person shall be held to answer for a Excessive bail shall not be required, nor capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except punishments inflicted. in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in Amendment IX. the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject The enumeration in the Constitution of certain for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal others retained by the people. case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived Amendment X. of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public The powers not delegated to the United States use, without just compensation. by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to Amendment VI. the people. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall Amendment XI.13 enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the The Judicial power of the United States shall crime shall have been committed; which district not be construed to extend to any suit in law or shall have been previously ascertained by law, and equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of to be informed of the nature and cause of the the United States by Citizens of another State, or by accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State. against him; to have compulsory process for Amendment XII.14 obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defence. The Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for President and Vice- Amendment VII. President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an In Suits at common law, where the value in inhabitant of the same state with themselves; they controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right shall name in their ballots the person voted for as of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried President, and in distinct ballots the person voted by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law. The Eleventh Amendment was ratified February 7, 1795. 13 The Twelfth Amendment was ratified June 15, 1804. 14 34 35
22. lists of all persons voted for as President, and of then from the two highest numbers on the list, the all persons voted for as Vice-President, and of the Senate shall choose the Vice-President; a quorum number of votes for each, which lists they shall for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of whole number of Senators, and a majority of the the government of the United States, directed to whole number shall be necessary to a choice. But the President of the Senate;—The President of the no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of Representatives, open all the certificates and the of the United States. votes shall then be counted;—The person having Amendment XIII.16 the greatest number of votes for President, shall be the President, if such number be a majority of Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary the whole number of Electors appointed; and if no servitude, except as a punishment for crime person have such majority, then from the persons whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, having the highest numbers not exceeding three on shall exist within the United States, or any place the list of those voted for as President, the House subject to their jurisdiction. of Representatives shall choose immediately, by Section 2. Congress shall have power to ballot, the President. But in choosing the President, enforce this article by appropriate legislation. the votes shall be taken by states, the representation from each state having one vote; a quorum for this Amendment XIV.17 purpose shall consist of a member or members Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of the United States and subject to the jurisdiction all the states shall be necessary to a choice. [And thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the if the House of Representatives shall not choose State wherein they reside. No State shall make or a President whenever the right of choice shall enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges devolve upon them, before the fourth day of March or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor next following, then the Vice-President shall act shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, as President, as in the case of the death or other or property, without due process of law; nor deny constitutional disability of the President—]15 The to any person within its jurisdiction the equal person having the greatest number of votes as protection of the laws. Vice-President, shall be the Vice-President, if such Section 2. Representatives shall be apportioned number be a majority of the whole number of among the several States according to their Electors appointed, and if no person have a majority, The Thirteenth Amendment was ratified December 6, 1865. 16 Superseded by section 3 of the Twentieth Amendment. The Fourteenth Amendment was ratified July 9, 1868. 17 36 37
23. respective numbers, counting the whole number shall not be questioned. But neither the United of persons in each State, excluding Indians not States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt taxed. But when the right to vote at any election or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or for the choice of electors for President and Vice rebellion against the United States, or any claim for President of the United States, Representatives in the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of a debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is and void. denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, Section 5. The Congress shall have power to being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions the United States, or in any way abridged, except of this article. for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in Amendment XV.18 the proportion which the number of such male Section 1. The right of citizens of the United citizens shall bear to the whole number of male States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by citizens twenty-one years of age in such State. the United States or by any State on account of Section 3. No person shall be a Senator or race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Representative in Congress, or elector of President Section 2. The Congress shall have power to and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or enforce this article by appropriate legislation. military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a Amendment XVI.19 member of Congress, or as an officer of the United The Congress shall have power to lay and collect States, or as a member of any State legislature, or taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to without apportionment among the several States, support the Constitution of the United States, shall and without regard to any census or enumeration. have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies Amendment XVII.20 thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds The Senate of the United States shall be of each House, remove such disability. composed of two Senators from each State, elected Section 4. The validity of the public debt of the by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator United States, authorized by law, including debts shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, 18 The Fifteenth Amendment was ratified February 3, 1870. 19 The Sixteenth Amendment was ratified February 3, 1913. 20 The Seventeenth Amendment was ratified April 8, 1913. 38 39
24. have the qualifications requisite for electors of the Amendment XIX.22 most numerous branch of the State legislatures. The right of citizens of the United States to When vacancies happen in the representation vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United of any State in the Senate, the executive authority States or by any State on account of sex. of such State shall issue writs of election to fill Congress shall have power to enforce this such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any article by appropriate legislation. State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the Amendment XX.23 vacancies by election as the legislature may direct. Section 1. The terms of the President and This amendment shall not be so construed as the Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen day of January, and the terms of Senators and before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution. Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, Amendment XVIII.21 of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of [Section 1. After one year from the their successors shall then begin. ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the Section 2. The Congress shall assemble at least importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at from the United States and all territory subject to noon on the 3d day of January, unless they shall by the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is law appoint a different day. hereby prohibited. Section 3. If, at the time fixed for the beginning Section 2. The Congress and the several States of the term of the President, the President elect shall shall have concurrent power to enforce this article have died, the Vice President elect shall become by appropriate legislation. President. If a President shall not have been chosen before the time fixed for the beginning of his term, Section 3. This article shall be inoperative or if the President elect shall have failed to qualify, unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment then the Vice President elect shall act as President to the Constitution by the legislatures of the several until a President shall have qualified; and the States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven Congress may by law provide for the case wherein years from the date of the submission hereof to the neither a President elect nor a Vice President elect States by the Congress.] shall have qualified, declaring who shall then act The Eighteenth Amendment was ratified January 16, 1919. It was repealed by the Twenty-First Amendment, December The Nineteenth Amendment was ratified August 18, 1920. 22 5, 1933. The Twentieth Amendment was ratified January 23, 1933. 23 40 41
25. as President, or the manner in which one who is Section 3. This article shall be inoperative to act shall be selected, and such person shall act unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment accordingly until a President or Vice President shall to the Constitution by conventions in the several have qualified. States, as provided in the Constitution, within Section 4. The Congress may by law provide seven years from the date of the submission hereof for the case of the death of any of the persons from to the States by the Congress. whom the House of Representatives may choose a Amendment XXII.25 President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them, and for the case of the death Section 1. No person shall be elected to of any of the persons from whom the Senate may the office of the President more than twice, and choose a Vice President whenever the right of no person who has held the office of President, choice shall have devolved upon them. or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected Section 5. Sections 1 and 2 shall take effect on President shall be elected to the office of President the 15th day of October following the ratification more than once. But this Article shall not apply to of this article. any person holding the office of President when Section 6. This article shall be inoperative this Article was proposed by the Congress, and unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment shall not prevent any person who may be holding to the Constitution by the legislatures of three- the office of President, or acting as President, fourths of the several States within seven years during the term within which this Article becomes from the date of its submission. operative from holding the office of President or Amendment XXI.24 acting as President during the remainder of such term. Section 1.The eighteenth article of amendment Section 2. This article shall be inoperative to the Constitution of the United States is hereby unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three- Section 2. The transportation or importation fourths of the several States within seven years into any State, Territory, or Possession of the United from the date of its submission to the States by the States for delivery or use therein of intoxicating Congress. liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby The Twenty-Second Amendment was ratified February 27, 25 The Twenty-First Amendment was ratified December 5, 1933. 1951. 42 43
26. Amendment XXIII.26 Amendment XXV.28 Section 1. The District constituting the seat of Section 1. In case of the removal of the Government of the United States shall appoint in President from office or of his death or resignation, such manner as Congress may direct: the Vice President shall become President. A number of electors of President and Vice Section 2. Whenever there is a vacancy in President equal to the whole number of Senators the office of the Vice President, the President shall and Representatives in Congress to which the nominate a Vice President who shall take office District would be entitled if it were a State, but in upon confirmation by a majority vote of both no event more than the least populous State; they Houses of Congress. shall be in addition to those appointed by the States, Section 3. Whenever the President transmits but they shall be considered, for the purposes of to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the the election of President and Vice President, to be Speaker of the House of Representatives his written electors appointed by a State; and they shall meet declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers in the District and perform such duties as provided and duties of his office, and until he transmits to by the twelfth article of amendment. them a written declaration to the contrary, such Section 2. The Congress shall have power to powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice enforce this article by appropriate legislation. President as Acting President. Amendment XXIV.27 Section 4. Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the Section 1. The right of citizens of the United executive departments or of such other body States to vote in any primary or other election for as Congress may by law provide, transmit to President or Vice President, for electors for President the President pro tempore of the Senate and the or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative Speaker of the House of Representatives their in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the written declaration that the President is unable to United States or any State by reason of failure to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the pay any poll tax or other tax. Vice President shall immediately assume the powers Section 2. The Congress shall have power to and duties of the office as Acting President. enforce this article by appropriate legislation. Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his The Twenty-Third Amendment was ratified March 29, 1961. The Twenty-Fourth Amendment was ratified January 23, The Twenty-Fifth Amendment was ratified February 10, 28 1964. 1967. 44 45
27. written declaration that no inability exists, he Amendment XXVII.30 shall resume the powers and duties of his office No law, varying the compensation for the unless the Vice President and a majority of either services of the Senators and Representatives, shall the principal officers of the executive department take effect, until an election of Representatives shall or of such other body as Congress may by law have intervened. provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty-eight hours for that purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within twenty-one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty-one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office. Amendment XXVI.29 Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age. Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. ongress submitted the text of the Twenty-Seventh C 30 Amendment to the States as part of the proposed Bill of Rights on September 25, 1789. The Amendment was not ratified together with the first ten Amendments, which became effective on December 15, 1791. The Twenty- Seventh Amendment was ratified on May 7, 1992, by vote of The Twenty-Sixth Amendment was ratified July 1, 1971. Michigan. 46 47
28. Dates to Remember index to the Constitution of the united States and amendments May 25, 1787: The Constitutional Convention opens with a quorum of seven states in Philadelphia to discuss Article, section Page revising the Articles of Confederation. Eventually, all Admiralty & Maritime cases III,2 22 states but Rhode Island are represented. Advice and consent II,2 21 Age, as qualification for public September 17, 1787: All 12 state delegations approve office president II,1 20 the Constitution, 39 delegates sign it of the 42 present, representatives I,2 9 and the Convention formally adjourns. senators I,3 11 voting A26 46 June 21, 1788: The Constitution becomes effective for Ambassadors the ratifying states when New Hampshire is the ninth Case controversies III,2 23 state to ratify it. President’s power II,2-3 21-22 Amendment procedure V 25 March 4, 1789: The first Congress under the Appellate jurisdiction III,2 23 Constitution convenes in New York City. Appointment power II,2 21 Appointments, temporary A17 40 April 30, 1789: George Washington is inaugurated as Apportionment of representatives I,2;A14,2 9-10; 37-38 Appropriations(s) I,8,9 14, 17 the first President of the United States. Arms, right to bear A2 33 Army II,2 21 June 8, 1789: James Madison introduces the proposed Assembly, right of A1 33 Bill of Rights in the House of Representatives. Authors I,8 15 Bail, excessive A8 35 September 24, 1789: Congress establishes a Supreme Bankruptcy, Congress’ power I,8 15 Court, 13 district courts, three ad hoc circuit courts, Bill of Rights (Amends. 1-10) A1-A10 33-35 and the position of Attorney General. Bills I,7 13-14 Bills of attainder I,9-10 17 September 25, 1789: Congress approves 12 Borrowing, Congress’ power I,8 15 amendments and sends them to the states for Cabinet officers’ reports II,2 21 Census I,2 9-10 ratification. Chief Justice, role in impeachment trials I,3 11 February 2, 1790: The Supreme Court convenes for the Commander in Chief II,2 21 first time. Commerce, Congress’ power I,8 15 Commission of officers II,3 22 December 15, 1791: Virginia ratifies the Bill of Rights, Compact I,10 18 and 10 of the 12 proposed amendments become part Congress of the U.S. Constitution. annual meetings I,4;A20,2 12; 41 declaring war I,8 15 legislative proceedings I,5 12-13 48 49
29. Article, section Page Article, section Page Congress—Continued House of Representatives—Continued members’ compensation and special powers privileges I,6;A27 13; 47 impeachment I,2 10 organization I,1 9 Presidential elections II,1;A12 18-20; 35-37 powers I,8;A12 14-16; 35-37 revenue bills I,7 13 special sessions II,3 21-22 states’ representation in I,2 9-10 Congressional Record (Journal) I,5 12-13 vacancies I,2 10 Constitution, purpose Preamble 9 Immunities (see Privileges Contracts, interference by states I,10 17-18 and immunities) Controversies, court cases III,2 22-23 Impeachment Conventions V;VII;A21 25; 26; 43 officials subject to II,4 22 Copyrights & patents, penalties I,3 11-12 Congress’ power I,8 15 power of, lodged in House I,2 10 Counsel, right to A6 34 reasons II,4 22 Counterfeiting, Congress’ trials, Senate I,3 11 power to punish I,8 15 Indians, commerce with, Courts (see Judiciary) Congress’ power I,8 15 Criminal proceedings, rights of Inhabitant (see Resident) I,2;I,3 9; 11 accused A5;A6 34 International law, Currency, Congress’ power I,8 15 Congress’ power I,8 15 Defense, Congress’ power I,8 14 Inventors I,8 15 District of Columbia I,8;A23 16; 44 Judiciary Double jeopardy A5 34 inferior courts I,8;III,1 15; 22 Due process of law A5;A14,1 34; 37 judicial review III,2 22-23 Electoral College II,1;A12;A23 18-19; jurisdiction III,2 22-23 35-37; 44 nomination & confirmation Equal protection of laws A14,1 37 of judges II,2 21 Equity III,2;A11 22; 35 Supreme Court III,1 22 Ex post facto laws I,9-10 17-18 terms of office & Extradition of fugitives by states IV,2 24 compensation III,1 22 Fines, excessive A8 35 Jury trials III,2;A6;A7 23; 34; 34 Foreign affairs, President’s power II,2 21 “Lame duck” amendment A20 41 Foreign commerce, Congress’ Liquor A18;A21 40; 42 power I,8 15 Marque and reprisal, letters of I,8,10 15; 17 “Full faith and credit” clause IV,1 24 Men (see Persons) General welfare, Congress’ power I,8 14 Militia (Military) A2;A5 33; 34 Grand jury indictments A5 34 congressional powers I,8 15-16 Grievances, redress of A1 33 presidential powers II,2 21 Habeas corpus I,9 17 Money I,8 15 House of Representatives National debt VI 25-26 election to & eligibility for I,2 9 National Americans (see Indians) members’ terms of office I,2;I,6 9; 13 Naturalization I,8 15 Speaker of I,2;A24;A25,3-4 10; Navy I,8;II,2 15; 21 44-46 “Necessary and proper” clause I,8 16 50 51
30. Article, section Page Article, section Page Nominate II,2;A25 21; 45 Senate—Continued Oath of office, federal and state II,1;VI 20; 26 special powers Original jurisdiction III,2 23 impeachment trials I,3 11-12 Pardons and reprieves, Presidential appointments II,2 21 President’s power II,2 21 treaties II,2 21 People, powers reserved to A10 35 terms of office I,3;I,6 10; 13 Persons A14 37-38 vacancies A17 39-40 Petition the government, right to A1 33 Slavery, prohibition A13;A14,4 37; 38-39 “Pocket veto” I,7 14 Soldiers, quartering of A3 33 Poll tax, prohibition A24,1 44 Speech, freedom of A1 33 Post offices & roads, Spending, Congress’ power I,8 14-15 Congress’ power I,8 15 State of Union message II,3 21 Presidency, succession to II,1;A20;A25 20; 41-42; States 45-46 and federal elections I,4 12 President formation & admission to disability A25,3 45 Union IV,3 24-25 election II,1;A12;A22; 18-20; powers requiring consent of A23 35-37; 43; 44 Congress I,10 17-18 eligibility for office II,1 20 powers reserved to A10 35 legislation, role in I,7 13-14 protection against invasion, oath of office II,1 20 violence IV,4 25 powers & duties II,2-3 21-22 republican form of term of office & compensation II,1 18-20 government guaranteed IV,4 25 Press, freedom of A1 33 suits against III,2;A11 22-23; 35 Privileges and immunities Sundays I,7 14 (of citizens) IV,2;A14,1 24; 37 Supreme law of the land Prohibition A18;A21 40; 42 (Constitution) VI 26 Property, taking for public use A5 34 Taxing power, in general I,7-8 13-14 Punishments, cruel and unusual A8 35 direct taxes prohibited I,9 17 Race A15 39 income taxes permitted A16 39 Ratification of Constitution V;VII 25; 26 Territories IV,3 24-25 Religion, freedom of A1 33 Titles of nobility I,9 17 Religious oaths VI 26 Treason II,4;III,3 22; 23 Resident (see Inhabitant) II,1 20 Treaty(ies) I,10;II,2; 17; 21; Search and seizure A4 33 III,2;VI 22; 26 Seas, Congress’ power I,8 15 Trial I,3;III,2; 12; 23; Secrecy I,5 12 A6;A7 34 Self-incrimination A5 34 Veto, President’s power I,7 13-14 Senate Vice-Presidency, succession to A20;A25 41-42; 45-46 election to & eligibility for I,3 11 Vice-President equal representation of states V 25 conditions for assuming officers I,3 11 Presidency II,1;A20; 20; 41-42; President of I,3;A12 11; 36 A25 45-46 President of, pro tempore I,3;A25,3-4 11; 45-46 52 53
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