Preamble
Original Text
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquillity, provide for the common defense, 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.
Explanation
The preamble states the purpose for which the Constitution was written, which include establishing justice, providing for the defense, ensuring the general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty — all very vague, noble, and far-reaching in scope.
Article I: The Legislative Branch
Original Text
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
The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States...
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...
Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States...according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons...three-fifths of all other Persons.
Section 3: The Senate
The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six Years...
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...
Section 8: Powers of Congress
The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes...provide for the common Defense and general Welfare...
To borrow money...regulate Commerce...coin Money...establish Post Offices...declare War...raise and support Armies...provide and maintain a Navy...
To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers...
Explanation
Congressional Structure
Congress is given the right and power to make the laws for the nation. Congress consists of a Senate and a House of Representatives.
House of Representatives
Members of the House are elected every two years. The states can decide who may vote.
Members must be 25 years old, citizens for 7 years, and live in the state they represent.
Representatives and taxes are based on population. Slaves counted as three-fifths of a person. [Changed by Amendment XIV]
The Senate
Each state has two senators who serve for six years. Originally elected by state legislatures. [Changed by Amendment XVII to direct election]
Senators must be at least 30 years old, citizens for 9 years, and residents of the states they represent.
Powers Given to Congress
Congress has the power to:
- Impose and collect taxes
- Borrow money
- Regulate trade with foreign countries and among states
- Coin money and fix standards
- Establish post offices
- Declare war and support armies
- Make all laws needed to carry out these powers
Article II: The Executive Branch
Original Text
Section 1: Presidential Term
The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his office during the Term of four years...
No person except a natural-born Citizen...shall be eligible to the office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty-five years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.
Section 2: Presidential Powers
The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy...
He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties...and he shall nominate...Ambassadors...Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States...
Section 3: Presidential Duties
He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union...he shall take care that the Laws be faithfully executed...
Explanation
Presidential Requirements
The power to enforce laws belongs to the President, who serves a four-year term.
To become president, a person must be 35 years old, have been born in the US, and lived here for 14 years.
The President's Powers
The president is commander-in-chief of the military.
The president may make treaties (with 2/3 Senate approval) and appoint ambassadors, Supreme Court Justices, and other officers (with Senate consent).
The president may grant pardons, except in cases of impeachment.
The President's Duties
The president shall inform Congress on the state of the nation and recommend necessary laws.
He may call special sessions of Congress and shall receive ambassadors.
He shall ensure laws are faithfully executed.
Article III: The Judicial Branch
Original Text
Section 1
The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges...shall hold their Offices during good Behavior...
Section 2: Jurisdiction
The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and treaties made...
Section 3: Treason
Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
Explanation
The Federal Courts
The power to try crimes under the Constitution is given to the Supreme Court and to such lower courts as Congress may establish.
Federal judges serve for life during good behavior.
Court Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court and lower courts may hear all cases arising under the Constitution, laws of the United States, or treaties.
The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over cases involving ambassadors or states. Other cases come by appeal.
Treason
Treason is defined as waging war against the United States or giving aid to its enemies.
A person can be convicted only if two witnesses testify to the same action, or if the accused confesses in open court.
Article IV: Relations Among the States
Original Text
Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State...
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
Explanation
Official acts in one state, such as wills and court decisions, must be respected in all other states.
A citizen of one state may not be discriminated against by another state.
A citizen of one state may not be discriminated against by another state.
Article V: Amending the Constitution
Original Text
The Congress, whenever two-thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution...which shall be valid...when ratified by the Legislatures of three-fourths of the several States...
Explanation
The Constitution can be amended when two-thirds of both houses of Congress propose an amendment and three-fourths of the state legislatures ratify it.
Article VI: Federal Credit and Supremacy
Original Text
This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made...shall be the supreme Law of the Land...
Explanation
The Constitution and both the laws and treaties made under it are the supreme law of the land, notwithstanding any state laws to the contrary.
Article VII: Ratification
Original Text
The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution...
Explanation
The Constitution will go into effect as soon as it is ratified by conventions in nine states.
Amendment I: Freedom of Expression (1791)
Original Text
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.
Explanation
Congress may not make a law either establishing a religion or preventing people from practicing theirs.
Nor shall Congress prevent freedom of speech, press, peaceable assembly, or the right to express complaints against the government.
This is often considered the most important amendment, protecting our core democratic freedoms.
Nor shall Congress prevent freedom of speech, press, peaceable assembly, or the right to express complaints against the government.
This is often considered the most important amendment, protecting our core democratic freedoms.
Amendment II: The Right to Keep Weapons (1791)
Original Text
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.
Explanation
Because of the necessity of a well-regulated militia, the people's right to bear arms is protected.
Amendment III: Stationing Soldiers (1791)
Original Text
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.
Explanation
The government may not force people to house or feed soldiers in private homes during times of peace or in time of war, unless Congress provides for it by law.
Amendment IV: Search Warrants (1791)
Original Text
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...
Explanation
A search warrant must be issued by a judge. There must be a good reason for its use, and the search must be limited to the place and things described in the warrant.
Amendment V: Rights of the Accused (1791)
Original Text
No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury...nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy...nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law...
Explanation
No person shall be held for a crime unless indicted by a grand jury.
No person can be tried twice for the same offense (double jeopardy).
No one can be forced to testify against themselves (right to remain silent).
No one can be denied due process of law or have property taken without fair compensation.
No person can be tried twice for the same offense (double jeopardy).
No one can be forced to testify against themselves (right to remain silent).
No one can be denied due process of law or have property taken without fair compensation.
Amendment VI: Rights of the Accused (1791)
Original Text
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury...to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him...and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Explanation
People accused of crimes are entitled to a quick, public trial before an impartial jury.
The accused shall be informed of charges, have the right to confront witnesses, and have assistance finding favorable witnesses.
If they cannot afford a lawyer, the country must provide one.
The accused shall be informed of charges, have the right to confront witnesses, and have assistance finding favorable witnesses.
If they cannot afford a lawyer, the country must provide one.
Amendment VII: Jury Trial in Civil Cases (1791)
Original Text
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved...
Explanation
The right to a jury trial is guaranteed in cases where the amount in question is greater than $20.
Amendment VIII: Bail and Punishment (1791)
Original Text
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Explanation
A person accused of a crime is allowed to leave jail before trial after posting reasonable bail.
No cruel and unusual punishments such as torture are allowed.
No cruel and unusual punishments such as torture are allowed.
Amendment IX: Powers Reserved for the People (1791)
Original Text
The enumeration of the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Explanation
The people maintain rights even if they are not specifically listed in this Constitution.
Amendment X: Powers Reserved for the States (1791)
Original Text
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Explanation
Powers not granted to the national government or denied to the states remain with the states or the people.
This establishes the principle of federalism - the division of power between national and state governments.
This establishes the principle of federalism - the division of power between national and state governments.
Amendment XI: Suits Against States (1798)
Original Text
The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State.
Explanation
A citizen who wishes to bring a suit against a state must bring this suit in the courts of the state being sued.
Amendment XII: Elections of President and Vice-President (1804)
Original Text
The Electors shall meet in their respective States and vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same State with themselves...
Explanation
Each elector will cast one vote for president and one for vice-president, instead of two votes without distinguishing between their choices.
This fixed the problem from the election of 1800 when Jefferson and Burr tied.
This fixed the problem from the election of 1800 when Jefferson and Burr tied.
Amendment XIII: Abolition of Slavery (1865)
Original Text
Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.
Explanation
Slavery may no longer exist in the United States.
This was the first of three "Reconstruction Amendments" passed after the Civil War.
This was the first of three "Reconstruction Amendments" passed after the Civil War.
Amendment XIV: Rights of Citizens Protected from the States (1868)
Original Text
Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States...are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens...nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person...the equal protection of the laws.
Explanation
All people (including former slaves) born in the U.S. are citizens.
No state may reduce the rights of American citizens or deny anyone due process or equal protection under the law.
This is one of the most important amendments - it has been used to protect civil rights and apply the Bill of Rights to the states.
No state may reduce the rights of American citizens or deny anyone due process or equal protection under the law.
This is one of the most important amendments - it has been used to protect civil rights and apply the Bill of Rights to the states.
Amendment XV: The Right to Vote (1870)
Original Text
Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Explanation
No citizens may be denied the right to vote because they were once slaves or because of their race.
This is the third Reconstruction Amendment.
This is the third Reconstruction Amendment.
Amendment XVI: Federal Income Tax (1913)
Original Text
The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.
Explanation
Congress has the power to collect income taxes without having to distribute them among states according to population.
Amendment XVII: Direct Election of Senators (1913)
Original Text
The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years...
Explanation
The U.S. Senate shall be elected directly by the qualified voters of each state, not by state legislators.
This was a Progressive Era reform to make government more democratic.
This was a Progressive Era reform to make government more democratic.
Amendment XVIII: Prohibition (1920)
Original Text
Section 1. After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within...the United States...for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.
Explanation
The manufacturing, sale, transportation, and importation of alcoholic beverages in the U.S. is prohibited.
This is the only amendment that has been repealed (by Amendment XXI in 1933).
This is the only amendment that has been repealed (by Amendment XXI in 1933).
Amendment XIX: Woman Suffrage (1920)
Original Text
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
Explanation
Citizens may not be denied the right to vote because of their sex.
This granted women the right to vote after decades of activism.
This granted women the right to vote after decades of activism.
Amendment XX: Terms of Presidents and Congressmen (1933)
Original Text
Section 1. The terms of the President and Vice-President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January...and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January...
Explanation
The president's term ends at noon on January 20th; Congressional terms end on January 3rd.
This shortened the "lame duck" period after elections.
This shortened the "lame duck" period after elections.
Amendment XXI: Repeal of Prohibition (1933)
Original Text
Section 1. The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.
Explanation
The amendment prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages is repealed.
Prohibition lasted only 13 years (1920-1933).
Prohibition lasted only 13 years (1920-1933).
Amendment XXII: Two Term Limit for Presidents (1951)
Original Text
No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President...for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once.
Explanation
The president may be elected to serve only two terms in office.
He may be elected for only one term if he has already served more than two years of another president's unfilled term.
This was passed after FDR was elected four times.
He may be elected for only one term if he has already served more than two years of another president's unfilled term.
This was passed after FDR was elected four times.
Amendment XXIII: Voting in Washington, D.C. (1961)
Original Text
The District constituting the seat of Government of the United States shall appoint...a number of electors of President and Vice-President equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a State, but in no event more than the least populous State...
Explanation
Voters in the District of Columbia may vote for presidential electors and may have as many but no more electors than the least populous state.
Amendment XXIV: Elimination of Poll Tax (1964)
Original Text
The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President...shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.
Explanation
Failure to pay a poll or other tax cannot be used to prevent any citizen from voting in a national election.
This was part of the Civil Rights movement to protect voting rights.
This was part of the Civil Rights movement to protect voting rights.
Amendment XXV: Presidential Disability and Succession (1967)
Original Text
Section 1. In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice-President shall become President.
Section 2. Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take the office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both houses of Congress.
Section 2. Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take the office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both houses of Congress.
Explanation
The president shall be succeeded by the vice-president in case of death, removal, or resignation.
If the vice-president's office is vacant, the president may appoint a candidate who must be confirmed by majority vote of both houses.
This was used when Nixon appointed Ford as VP, and when Ford became president and appointed Rockefeller.
If the vice-president's office is vacant, the president may appoint a candidate who must be confirmed by majority vote of both houses.
This was used when Nixon appointed Ford as VP, and when Ford became president and appointed Rockefeller.
Amendment XXVI: Vote for Eighteen Year-Old Citizens (1971)
Original Text
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 any State on account of age.
Explanation
The minimum voting age in all elections is 18.
This was passed during the Vietnam War - the argument was that if 18-year-olds could be drafted, they should be able to vote.
This was passed during the Vietnam War - the argument was that if 18-year-olds could be drafted, they should be able to vote.