Overview
This lecture provides a summary of the seven articles of the United States Constitution, outlining the structure and key functions of the federal government.
The Articles of the Constitution
- The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, and ratified on June 21, 1788.
- The seven articles make up the structural framework of the U.S. government.
Article I: Legislative Branch
- Establishes Congress as the legislative branch of the federal government.
- Defines the powers and structure of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Article II: Executive Branch
- Establishes the presidency and the executive branch.
- Outlines the powers, duties, and means of electing the President and Vice President.
Article III: Judicial Branch
- Establishes the Supreme Court and allows Congress to create lower federal courts.
- Defines the jurisdiction and powers of the judicial branch.
Article IV: States, Citizenship, New States
- Addresses the powers and responsibilities of states.
- Provides rules for admitting new states and guarantees a republican form of government.
Article V: Amendment Process
- Outlines the process for amending the Constitution.
- Requires approval by both Congress and the states for amendments.
Article VI: Debts, Supremacy, Oaths, Religious Tests
- Establishes the Constitution and federal laws as the supreme law of the land.
- Requires an oath of office but prohibits religious tests for federal officeholders.
Article VII: Ratification
- Details the process for ratification of the Constitution.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Ratification — Formal approval of the Constitution by the states.
- Supremacy Clause — Establishes the Constitution as the highest law in the United States.
- Jurisdiction — The authority of a court to hear and decide cases.
- Republican Government — A government in which representatives are elected by the people.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the full text of each article for deeper understanding.
- Study how each article shapes the modern U.S. government.