Summary of the Articles of We the People’s Constitution

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.

The Preamble serves as an introduction, outlining the purpose of the Constitution. The first three words of the U.S. Constitution, “We the People” signifies that the government’s power comes directly from its citizens, not from a king or rulers. It establishes “popular sovereignty,” indicating the people are in charge and the government exists to serve them.

The full transcript of the Consitution may be found on the National Archives website, specifically https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript

Article I: The Legislative Branch

This article establishes Congress as the lawmaking body, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Section 1: Vests all legislative power in Congress.
Section 2: Details the House of Representatives (composition, qualifications, and apportionment).
Section 3: Details the Senate (composition and qualifications).
Section 4: Governs congressional elections and meetings.
Section 5: Sets rules for congressional proceedings and quorums.
Section 6: Covers compensation, privileges, and restrictions for members.
Section 7: Outlines the legislative process for passing bills.
Section 8: Enumerates the specific powers of Congress, including taxing, coining money, and declaring war.
Section 9: Lists powers denied to the federal government, such as suspending habeas corpus.
Section 10: Lists powers denied to the states, such as entering treaties.

Article II: The Executive Branch

Establishes the Presidency to manage day-to-day government operations.

Section 1: Vests executive power in the President and details the Electoral College.
Section 2: Defines presidential powers, including serving as Commander in Chief and making treaties.
Section 3: Requires the State of the Union address and ensures laws are faithfully executed.
Section 4: Provides for the impeachment of executive officers.

Article III: The Judicial Branch

Establishes the Supreme Court and the federal court system.

Section 1: Vests judicial power in one Supreme Court and inferior courts established by Congress.
Section 2: Defines the scope of judicial power and jurisdiction (original vs. appellate).
Section 3: Specifically defines and limits the crime of treason.

Articles IV – VII:

State Relations and National Framework

Article IV (The States):

Governs relationships between states, including “Full Faith and Credit”

to each other’s laws and the admission of new states.

Article V (Amendment Process):

Describes how the Constitution can be changed, requiring a two-thirds vote in Congress and ratification by three-fourths of states.

Article VI (Supremacy Clause):

Establishes the Constitution as the “supreme Law of the Land” and requires oaths of office for all officials.

Article VII (Ratification):

Explains that nine of the original thirteen states were required to ratify the Constitution for it to take effect.