Browse the Constitution Annotated
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.
- ArtI.S1.1 Delegation of Legislative Power
- ArtI.S1.1.1 The History of the Doctrine of Nondelegability
- ArtI.S1.1.2 The Nature and Scope of Permissible Delegations
- ArtI.S1.1.3 Delegations to the President in Areas of Shared Authority
- ArtI.S1.1.3.1 Foreign Affairs
- ArtI.S1.1.3.2 Military
- ArtI.S1.1.4 Delegations to States and to Private Entities
- ArtI.S1.1.4.1 Delegations to the States
- ArtI.S1.1.4.2 Delegations to Private Entities
- ArtI.S1.1.5 Particular Subjects or Concerns—Closer Scrutiny or Uniform Standard?
- ArtI.S1.1 Delegation of Legislative Power
Section 2
- Clause 1
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.
- ArtI.S2.C1.1 Organization of the House of Representatives
- ArtI.S2.C1.2 Electors for the House
- Clause 2
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.
- ArtI.S2.C2.1 Qualifications of Members of the House of Representatives
- Clause 3
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.
- ArtI.S2.C3.1 Enumeration Clause
- Clause 4
When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.
- ArtI.S2.C4.1 In General
- Clause 5
The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.
- ArtI.S2.C5.1 The Power of Impeachment
- ArtI.S2.C5.1.1 The Power of Impeachment: Overview
- ArtI.S2.C5.1.2 The Power of Impeachment: Historical Background
- ArtI.S2.C5.1.3 The Power of Impeachment: Doctrine and Practice
- ArtI.S2.C5.1.4 The Power of Impeachment: Select Topics for Consideration
- ArtI.S2.C5.1.4.1 Alternatives to Impeachment
- ArtI.S2.C5.1 The Power of Impeachment
Section 3
- Clause 1
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.
- ArtI.S3.C1.1 In General
- Clause 2
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.
- ArtI.S3.C2.1 The Senate: Overview
- Clause 3
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.
- ArtI.S3.C3.1 In General
- Clause 4
The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.
- ArtI.S3.C4.1 In General
- Clause 5
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.
- ArtI.S3.C5.1 In General
- Clause 6
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.
- ArtI.S3.C6.1 The Power to Try Impeachments
- ArtI.S3.C6.1.1 The Power to Try Impeachments: Overview
- ArtI.S3.C6.1.2 The Power to Try Impeachments: Historical Background
- ArtI.S3.C6.1.3 The Power to Try Impeachments: Doctrine and Practice
- ArtI.S3.C6.1.3.1 Senate Practices in Impeachment
- ArtI.S3.C6.1.3.2 Requirement of Oath or Affirmation
- ArtI.S3.C6.1.3.3 Presidential Impeachments
- ArtI.S3.C6.1 The Power to Try Impeachments
- Clause 7
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.
- ArtI.S3.C7.1 Judgment in Cases of Impeachment
- ArtI.S3.C7.1.1 Judgment in Cases of Impeachment: Overview
- ArtI.S3.C7.1.2 Judgment in Cases of Impeachment: Doctrine and Practice
- ArtI.S3.C7.1 Judgment in Cases of Impeachment
Section 4
- Clause 1
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.
- ArtI.S4.C1.1 Elections
- ArtI.S4.C1.1.1 The Elections Clause
- ArtI.S4.C1.1.1.1 The Elections Clause: Doctrine and Practice
- ArtI.S4.C1.1.1.1.1 Role of the States in Regulating Federal Elections
- ArtI.S4.C1.1.1.1.2 Role of Congress in Regulating Federal Elections
- ArtI.S4.C1.1.1.1 The Elections Clause: Doctrine and Practice
- ArtI.S4.C1.1.1 The Elections Clause
- ArtI.S4.C1.1 Elections
- Clause 2
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.
- ArtI.S4.C2.1 Meetings of Congress
Section 5
- Clause 1
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.
- ArtI.S5.C1.1 Determinations of Elections, Returns, and Qualifications
- ArtI.S5.C1.2 Quorums
- Clause 2
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.
- ArtI.S5.C2.1 Rule of Proceedings
- ArtI.S5.C2.2 Punishments and Expulsions
- Clause 3
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.
- ArtI.S5.C3.1 Keeping a Journal of Proceedings
- Clause 4
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.
- ArtI.S5.C4.1 In General
Section 6
- Clause 1
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.
- ArtI.S6.C1.1 Compensation and Privileges for Members of Congress
- ArtI.S6.C1.1.1 Compensation for Members
- ArtI.S6.C1.1.1.1 Compensation for Members: Overview
- ArtI.S6.C1.1.2 Privilege From Arrest
- ArtI.S6.C1.1.3 Speech and Debate Privilege
- ArtI.S6.C1.1.1 Compensation for Members
- ArtI.S6.C1.1 Compensation and Privileges for Members of Congress
- Clause 2
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.
- ArtI.S6.C2.1 Ineligibility / Sinecure Clause
- ArtI.S6.C2.2 Incompatibility Clause
Section 7
- Clause 1
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.
- ArtI.S7.C1.1 The Lawmaking Process
- ArtI.S7.C1.1.1 Origination Clause
- ArtI.S7.C1.1 The Lawmaking Process
- Clause 2
Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become 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.
- ArtI.S7.C2.1 Enactment of Legislation
- Clause 3
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.
- ArtI.S7.C3.1 Passage of Orders, Resolutions, or Votes
Section 8
- Clause 1
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;
- ArtI.S8.C1.1 Taxing Power
- ArtI.S8.C1.2 Spending Power
- Clause 2
To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;
- ArtI.S8.C2.1 Borrowing Power
- Clause 3
To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;
- ArtI.S8.C3.1 Commerce Powers
- ArtI.S8.C3.1.1 Foreign Commerce Power
- ArtI.S8.C3.1.2 Commerce Among the Several States
- ArtI.S8.C3.1.3 Commerce With Indian Tribes
- ArtI.S8.C3.1.4 Dormant Commerce Power
- ArtI.S8.C3.1.4.1 Dormant Commerce Power: Overview
- ArtI.S8.C3.1.4.2 Dormant Commerce Power: Select Topics for Consideration
- ArtI.S8.C3.1.4.2.1 State Taxation and the Dormant Commerce Clause
- ArtI.S8.C3.1 Commerce Powers
- Clause 4
To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;
- ArtI.S8.C4.1 Naturalization Power
- ArtI.S8.C4.1.1 Naturalization Power: Overview
- ArtI.S8.C4.1.2 Naturalization Power: Select Topics for Consideration
- ArtI.S8.C4.1.2.1 Expatriation
- ArtI.S8.C4.2 Bankruptcy Power
- ArtI.S8.C4.2.1 Bankruptcy Power: Doctrine and Practice
- ArtI.S8.C4.2.1.1 Scope of Federal Bankruptcy Power
- ArtI.S8.C4.2.1.2 Restriction on State Bankruptcy Power
- ArtI.S8.C4.2.1 Bankruptcy Power: Doctrine and Practice
- ArtI.S8.C4.1 Naturalization Power
- Clause 5
To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;
- ArtI.S8.C5.1 Coinage Power
- Clause 6
To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;
- ArtI.S8.C6.1 Counterfeiting Power
- Clause 7
To establish Post Offices and post Roads;
- ArtI.S8.C7.1 Postal Power
- ArtI.S8.C7.1.1 Postal Power: Overview
- ArtI.S8.C7.1.2 Postal Power: Doctrine and Practice
- ArtI.S8.C7.1.2.1 Postal Power: Restrictions on State Power
- ArtI.S8.C7.1 Postal Power
- Clause 8
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;
- ArtI.S8.C8.1 Copyrights and Patents
- ArtI.S8.C8.1.1 Origins and Scope of the Power
- ArtI.S8.C8.1.2 Patentable Discoveries
- ArtI.S8.C8.1.3 Nature and Scope of the Right Secured for Copyright
- ArtI.S8.C8.1.4 Power of Congress Over Patents and Copyrights
- ArtI.S8.C8.1.5 Copyright and the First Amendment
- ArtI.S8.C8.1.6 State Power Affecting Patents and Copyrights
- ArtI.S8.C8.1.7 Trade-Marks and Advertisements
- ArtI.S8.C8.1 Copyrights and Patents
- Clause 9
To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;
- ArtI.S8.C9.1 In General
- Clause 10
To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;
- ArtI.S8.C10.1 Define and Punish Clause
- ArtI.S8.C10.1.1 Define and Punish Clause: Historical Background
- ArtI.S8.C10.1.2 Define and Punish Clause: Doctrine and Practice
- ArtI.S8.C10.1 Define and Punish Clause
- Clause 11
To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
- ArtI.S8.C11.1 Power to Declare War
- ArtI.S8.C11.2 Power to Make Rules Regarding Capture
- Clause 12
To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;
- ArtI.S8.C12.1 Power to Raise and Support an Army
- ArtI.S8.C12.1.1 Power to Raise and Support an Army: Overview
- ArtI.S8.C12.1.2 Power to Raise and Support an Army: Historical Background
- ArtI.S8.C12.1 Power to Raise and Support an Army
- Clause 13
To provide and maintain a Navy;
- ArtI.S8.C13.1 In General
- Clause 14
To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
- ArtI.S8.C14.1 Power to Govern and Regulate Land and Naval Forces
- Clause 15
To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
- ArtI.S8.C15.1 Power to Call Forth the Militia
- Clause 16
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;
- ArtI.S8.C16.1 Power to Organize Militias
- Clause 17
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 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
- ArtI.S8.C17.1 Power over the Seat of Government
- ArtI.S8.C17.1.1 Power over the Seat of Government: Historical Background
- ArtI.S8.C17.1.2 Power over the Seat of Government: Doctrine and Practice
- ArtI.S8.C17.2 Power Over Places Purchased
- ArtI.S8.C17.1 Power over the Seat of Government
- Clause 18
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.
- ArtI.S8.C18.1 Necessary and Proper Clause
- ArtI.S8.C18.2 Implied Powers of Congress
- ArtI.S8.C18.2.1 Implied Power of Congress to Conduct Investigations and Oversight
- ArtI.S8.C18.2.1.1 Implied Power of Congress to Conduct Investigations and Oversight: Historical Background
- ArtI.S8.C18.2.1.2 Implied Power of Congress to Conduct Investigations and Oversight: Doctrine and Practice
- ArtI.S8.C18.2.2 Implied Power of Congress Over Immigration
- ArtI.S8.C18.2.1 Implied Power of Congress to Conduct Investigations and Oversight
Section 9
- Clause 1
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.
- ArtI.S9.C1.1 Express Limits on Federal Power
- ArtI.S9.C1.1.1 Restrictions on the Slave Trade
- ArtI.S9.C1.1 Express Limits on Federal Power
- Clause 2
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.
- ArtI.S9.C2.1 Writ of Habeas Corpus and the Suspension Clause
- Clause 3
No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.
- ArtI.S9.C3.1 Bills of Attainder
- ArtI.S9.C3.2 Ex Post Facto Laws
- Clause 4
No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken.
- ArtI.S9.C4.1 Prohibition on Direct Taxation
- ArtI.S9.C4.1.1 Prohibition on Direct Taxation: Overview
- ArtI.S9.C4.1.2 Prohibition on Direct Taxation: Doctrine and Practice
- ArtI.S9.C4.1.2.1 Prohibition on Direct Taxation: Early Doctrine
- ArtI.S9.C4.1.2.2 Prohibition on Direct Taxation: Pollock and its Effect
- ArtI.S9.C4.1 Prohibition on Direct Taxation
- Clause 5
No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.
- ArtI.S9.C5.1 Prohibition on Taxes on Exports
- Clause 6
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.
- ArtI.S9.C6.1 Prohibition on Port Preferences
- Clause 7
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.
- ArtI.S9.C7.1 Appropriations Clause
- Clause 8
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.
- ArtI.S9.C8.1 Foreign Emoluments Clause
Section 10
- Clause 1
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.
- ArtI.S10.C1.1 States Engaging in Foreign Policy
- ArtI.S10.C1.2 States and Coining of Money and Issuing Bills of Credit
- ArtI.S10.C1.2.1 States and Coining of Money and Issuing Bills of Credit: Overview
- ArtI.S10.C1.2.2 States and Coining of Money and Issuing Bills of Credit: Doctrine and
Practice
- ArtI.S10.C1.2.2.1 Limits on Issuing Legal Tender
- ArtI.S10.C1.3 State Bills of Attainder
- ArtI.S10.C1.4 State Ex Post Facto Laws
- ArtI.S10.C1.5 Contract Clause
- Clause 2
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.
- ArtI.S10.C2.1 Import-Export Clause
- Clause 3
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.
- ArtI.S10.C3.1 States and Duty of Tonnage
- ArtI.S10.C3.2 States and Military Affairs
- ArtI.S10.C3.3 Compacts Clause