Summary of the Constitution- The Constitution was a sparse constitution, with few specifics regarding how the United States government would operate. It described the three branches’ general organization, how they would interact with the states, and how the text could be changed. Future leaders were tasked with filling in the blanks.
1st Article
The Senate and the House of Representatives have legislative power under the Constitution’s longest article. It explains how Congress is organized and identifies the exact authorities it has, sometimes known as enumerated or delegated powers. Congress can adopt legislation necessary to carry out its enumerated powers under the necessary and appropriate clause (also known as the elastic clause). The powers denied to Congress and the states are also listed in Article I.
2nd Article
This article discusses the executive branch, including the president’s (and vice president’s) election, the criteria for holding the office, and the processes in the event that a president is unable to serve. The president’s powers include serving as commander in chief of the army and navy, signing treaties, and selecting ambassadors, officials, and Supreme Court justices with the “advice and permission of the Senate.” The president is required to report on the status of the union to Congress on a regular basis, and he has the authority to propose legislation and summon Congress into special session.
3rd Article
The Supreme Court is created under this article, and Congress has the authority to create lesser federal courts. The categories of cases over which the courts have jurisdiction are specified, as well as the right to a jury trial. While the power of the courts to declare a statute unlawful is not explicitly stated, it is inferred.
4th Article
The full faith and credit clause mandates that the actions of one state’s legislature and judiciary be respected by the other states. Furthermore, citizens of any state enjoy the same rights as citizens of all other states. Article IV also allows for the admission of additional states to the union, as well as guarantees each state a republican form of government and protection against invasion and domestic violence.
5th Article
The procedure for changing the Constitution is outlined. States are in charge of ratifying amendments.
6th Article
The supreme law of the land is the Constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties signed by the United States. The supremacy clause is what it’s called.
7th Article
Ratification of the Constitution requires the approval of nine state conventions.
