Navigating the Constitution
Article I: The Legislative Branch
Section 1: Congress is made up of two houses – the Senate and the House of Representatives
Article II: The Executive Branch
Section 1: The President and the Vice President
Clause 1: four year term
Clause 2: the number of state electors = the number of senators + the number of representatives
each state is entitled to have
Clause 3: electoral college – citizens vote for the President in their states. The candidate winning
the majority of the state’s popular (people) votes traditionally wins all of the state’s electoral
votes. The winner must receive a majority of the nation’s electoral votes. If not, the House of
Representatives chooses the President.
Article III: The Judicial Branch
Section 1: power is given to one Supreme Court and lower federal courts
Article IV: Relations Among the States
Section 1: Each state must recognize the official acts, records (i.e. marriage license), and laws of every
other state.
Section 2: Privileges of Citizens
Clause 1: all citizens will have equal rights among the states
Clause 2: a person charged with a crime must be returned to the state where he/she is wanted
Article V: Amending the Constitution
Congress can propose amendments with 2/3 (two thirds) approval of the House and Senate. An amendment
must be ratified (approved) by 3/4 (three fourths) of the states
Article VI: National Supremacy
Section 2: (The supremacy clause) The Constitution and all laws made by the national government are
the Supreme law of the land.
Article VII: Ratification (approval process)
The Constitution will go into effect when nine states have ratified it.