Part 11- Appendix A: The Constitution of the United States of America: Note 1

Preamble A succinct statement of purpose outlining the Constitution's goals: forming a more perfect union, establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for defense, promoting welfare, and securing liberty for future generations. Article I: The Legislative Branch Section 1: Grants all legislative powers to Congress, composed of the Senate and House of Representatives. Section 2: Defines the House of Representatives:     Members are elected every two years. Representatives must be at least 25 years old, a citizen for seven years, and an inhabitant of the state they represent. Apportionment of Representatives and direct taxes is based on state populations (originally including the "three-fifths compromise"). Details procedures for filling vacancies and the House's sole power of impeachment. Section 3: Defines the Senate:     Two Senators per state, serving six-year terms, elected by state legislatures (changed by the 17th Amendment). Sets qualifications: 30 years of age, nine years a U.S. citizen, and residency in the represented state. Establishes the Vice President as Senate President, voting only in ties. Grants the Senate the sole power to try impeachments, requiring a two-thirds vote for conviction. Sections 4–6: Covers operational rules:    Elections and meeting requirements for Congress. Quorum, procedural rules, and privileges for members of Congress. Prohibits members from holding other federal offices during their term. Section 7: Details legislative processes:    Revenue bills originate in the House; the Senate can amend. Bills become law after passing both chambers and receiving presidential approval or a two-thirds override of a presidential veto. Establishes a 10-day rule for presidential action on bills. Section 8: Enumerates Congress's powers:   Taxation, borrowing, commerce regulation, naturalization, coining money, establishing post offices, declaring war, raising armies, and more. Includes the Necessary and Proper Clause, empowering Congress to pass laws essential to executing its enumerated powers. Sections 9–10: Places limits on Congress and states:   Prohibits suspension of habeas corpus (except in emergencies), bills of attainder, ex post facto laws, and titles of nobility. Restricts state actions, such as treaties, coining money, and engaging in war without Congressional consent. Article II: The Executive Branch Section 1: Establishes the presidency:      The President and Vice President serve four-year terms. Describes the Electoral College system for election (modified by the 12th Amendment). Sets qualifications for the presidency: natural-born citizenship, at least 35 years old, and 14 years of residency. Provides for presidential succession (updated by the 25th Amendment). Requires the President to take an oath to faithfully execute the office and uphold the Constitution. Section 2: Enumerates presidential powers:    Commander in Chief of the military. Power to grant reprieves and pardons (except for impeachment). Authority to make treaties (with Senate approval) and appoint federal officers and judges. Sections 3–4:   Requires the President to deliver a State of the Union address and ensure laws are faithfully executed. Outlines impeachment procedures for removing the President, Vice President, and other civil officers for treason, bribery, or high crimes and misdemeanors.