The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America

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Steve
This booklet describes the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States which are the two most important, and enduring documents in the history of the United States of America.
1. The Declaration of
& the
of the United States
M-654 (rev. 07/08)
2. The Declaration of
& the
of the United States
3. Message from the Director
“The sacred rights of mankind are not to be
The Declaration of Independence and the
rummaged for, among old parchments, or musty Constitution of the United States are the two most
records.They are written, as with a sun beam important, and enduring documents in our Nation’s
history. It has been said that “the Declaration of
in the whole volume of human nature, by the Independence was the promise; the Constitution
hand of the divinity itself; and can never be was the fulfillment.”
More than 200 years ago, our Founding
erased or obscured by mortal power.”
Fathers set out to establish a government based
— Alexander Hamilton, 1775 on individual rights and the rule of law. The
Declaration of Independence, which officially
broke all political ties between the American
colonies and Great Britain, set forth the ideas and
“The basis of our political systems is the principles behind a just and fair government, and
the Constitution outlined how this government
right of the people to make and to alter would function. Our founding documents have
their Constitutions of Government. But the withstood the test of time, rising to the challenge
each time they were called upon.
Constitution which at any time exists, ‘till Make no mistake, we have been presented with
changed by an explicit and authentic act of the a timeless framework for self-government, but in
order to preserve this wonderful gift, we must hold
whole People is sacredly obligatory upon all.”
these principles close to our hearts. I encourage you
— George Washington, 1796 to read and understand these documents. I promise
you will be nothing short of inspired.
Director
“The Declaration of Independence...[is the] U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
declaratory charter of our rights, and of the
rights of man.”
— Thomas Jefferson, 1819
4. The DECLARATION OF InDEPEnDeNCE
Action of Second Continental Congress, July 4, 1776
The Unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
When in the Course of human Events, it
becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the
Political Bands which have connected them with
another, and to assume among the Powers of the
Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the
Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them,
a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind
requires that they should declare the causes which
impel them to the Separation.
We hold these Truths to be self-evident,
that all Men are created equal, that they are
endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable
Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and
the pursuit of Happiness—That to secure these
Rights, Governments are instituted among Men,
deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the
Governed, that whenever any Form of Government
becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of
the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute
new Government, laying its Foundation on such
Principles, and organizing its Powers in such
Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect
their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will
dictate that Governments long established should
not be changed for light and transient Causes;
and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that
Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are
sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing
the Forms to which they are accustomed. But when

5. a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing He has refused for a long Time, after such
invariably the same Object, evinces a design to reduce Dissolutions, to cause others to be elected;
them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of
is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to Annihilation, have returned to the People at large
provide new Guards for their future Security. Such for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean
has been the patient Sufferance of these Colonies; time exposed to all the Dangers of Invasion from
and such is now the Necessity which constrains without, and Convulsions within.
them to alter their former Systems of Government. He has endeavoured to prevent the Population
The History of the present King of Great-Britain of these States; for that Purpose obstructing the
is a History of repeated Injuries and Usurpations, Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to
all having in direct Object the Establishment of an pass others to encourage their Migrations hither,
absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let and raising the Conditions of new Appropriations
Facts be submitted to a candid World. of Lands.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most He has obstructed the Administration of Justice,
wholesome and necessary for the public Good. by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws Judiciary Powers.
of immediate and pressing Importance, unless He has made Judges dependent on his Will
suspended in their Operation till his Assent should alone, for the Tenure of their Offices, and the
be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly Amount and Payment of their Salaries.
neglected to attend to them. He has erected a Multitude of new Offices,
He has refused to pass other Laws for the and sent hither Swarms of Officers to harrass our
Accommodation of large Districts of People, People, and eat out their Substance.
unless those People would relinquish the Right He has kept among us, in Times of Peace,
of Representation in the Legislature, a Right Standing Armies, without the consent of our
inestimable to them, and formidable to Tyrants Legislatures.
only. He has affected to render the Military
He has called together Legislative Bodies at independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
Places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from He has combined with others to subject us
the Depository of their public Records, for the sole to a Jurisdiction foreign to our Constitution, and
Purpose of fatiguing them into Compliance with unacknowledged by our Laws; giving his Assent to
his Measures. their Acts of pretended Legislation:
He has dissolved Representative Houses For quartering large Bodies of Armed Troops
repeatedly, for opposing with manly Firmness his among us:
Invasions on the Rights of the People.
 
6. For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from paralleled in the most barbarous Ages, and totally
Punishment for any Murders which they should unworthy the Head of a civilized Nation.
commit on the Inhabitants of these States: He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken
For cutting off our Trade with all Parts of the Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against
World: their Country, to become the Executioners of their
For imposing Taxes on us without our Friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their
Consent: Hands.
For depriving us, in many Cases, of the Benefits He has excited domestic Insurrections
of Trial by Jury: amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for Inhabitants of our Frontiers, the merciless Indian
pretended Offences: Savages, whose known Rule of Warfare, is an
For abolishing the free System of English undistinguished Destruction of all Ages, Sexes and
Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing Conditions.
therein an arbitrary Government, and enlarging its In every stage of these Oppressions we have
Boundaries, so as to render it at once an Example Petitioned for Redress in the most humble Terms:
and fit Instrument for introducing the same Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by
absolute Rule into these Colonies: repeated Injury. A Prince, whose Character is thus
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is
most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally unfit to be the Ruler of a free People.
the Forms of our Governments: Nor have we been wanting in Attentions to
For suspending our own Legislatures, and our British Brethren. We have warned them from
declaring themselves invested with Power to Time to Time of Attempts by their Legislature to
legislate for us in all Cases whatsoever. extend an unwarrantable Jurisdiction over us. We
He has abdicated Government here, by have reminded them of the Circumstances of our
declaring us out of his Protection and waging War Emigration and Settlement here. We have appealed
against us. to their native Justice and Magnanimity, and we
He has plundered our Seas, ravaged our Coasts, have conjured them by the Ties of our common
burnt our Towns, and destroyed the Lives of our Kindred to disavow these Usurpations, which,
People. would inevitably interrupt our Connections and
He is, at this Time, transporting large Armies Correspondence. They too have been deaf to the
of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the Works of Voice of Justice and of Consanguinity. We must,
Death, Desolation, and Tyranny, already begun therefore, acquiesce in the Necessity, which
with circumstances of Cruelty and Perfidy, scarcely denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we
 
7. hold the rest of Mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace, Signers of the Declaration of Independence
Georgia: Benjamin Franklin
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united
Button Gwinnett John Morton
States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, Lyman Hall George Clymer
appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for George Walton James Smith
the Rectitude of our Intentions, do, in the Name, North Carolina: George Taylor
James Wilson
and by Authority of the good People of these William Hooper
Joseph Hewes George Ross
Colonies, solemnly Publish and Declare, That these
John Penn Delaware:
United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free Caesar Rodney
South Carolina:
and Independent States; that they are absolved from George Read
Edward Rutledge
all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all Thomas Heyward, Jr. Thomas McKean
political Connection between them and the State of Thomas Lynch, Jr. New York:
Great-Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; Arthur Middleton William Floyd
Philip Livingston
and that as Free and Independent States, they have Massachusetts:
Francis Lewis
full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Samuel Adams
John Adams Lewis Morris
Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Robert Treat Paine New Jersey:
Acts and Things which Independent States may of Elbridge Gerry Richard Stockton
right do. —And for the support of this Declaration, John Hancock John Witherspoon
with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Maryland: Francis Hopkinson
Samuel Chase John Hart
Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Abraham Clark
William Paca
Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor. Thomas Stone New Hampshire:
Charles Carroll of Carrollton Josiah Bartlett
Signed by ORDER and in BEHALF of the CONGRESS, Matthew Thornton
Virginia:
George Wythe William Whipple
John Hancock, President
Richard Henry Lee Rhode Island:
Attest. Thomas Jefferson Stephen Hopkins
Charles Thomson, Secretary Benjamin Harrison William Ellery
Thomas Nelson, Jr. Connecticut:
Francis Lightfoot Lee Roger Sherman
Carter Braxton Samuel Huntington
Pennsylvania: William Williams
Robert Morris Oliver Wolcott
Benjamin Rush
 
8. The Constitution
of the United States of America
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.
Article. I.
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 shall
be composed of Members chosen every second
Year by the People of the several States, and the
Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications
requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch
of the State Legislature.
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,
and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant
of that State in which he shall be chosen.
[Representatives and direct Taxes shall be
apportioned among the several States which may
be included within this Union, according to their
respective Numbers, which shall be determined
by adding to the whole Number of free Persons,
including those bound to Service for a Term of
 
9. Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth
of all other Persons.] The actual Enumeration Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of
shall be made within three Years after the first the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen
Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and every second Year; [and if Vacancies happen by
within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of
Manner as they shall by Law direct. The number the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof
of Representatives shall not exceed one for every may make temporary Appointments until the next
thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill
one Representative; and until such enumeration such Vacancies.]
shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall No Person shall be a Senator who shall not
be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been
Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who
Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey four, shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that
Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, State for which he shall be chosen.
Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina The Vice President of the United States shall
five, and Georgia three. be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote,
When vacancies happen in the Representation unless they be equally divided.
from any State, the Executive Authority thereof The Senate shall chuse their other Officers,
shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies. and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence
The House of Representatives shall chuse their of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the
Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Office of President of the United States.
Power of Impeachment. The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all
Section. 3. The Senate of the United States Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they
shall be composed of two Senators from each State, shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President
[chosen by the Legislature thereof,] for six Years; of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall
and each Senator shall have one Vote. preside: And no Person shall be convicted without
Immediately after they shall be assembled in the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members
Consequence of the first Election, they shall be present.
divided as equally as may be into three Classes. Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall
The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall not extend further than to removal from Office,
be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office
of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States:
Changed by section 2 of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Changed by the Seventeenth Amendment.
Changed by the Seventeenth Amendment.

10 11
10. but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable Neither House, during the Session of Congress,
and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for
Punishment, according to Law. more than three days, nor to any other Place than
Section. 4. The Times, Places and Manner of that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.
holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, Section. 6. The Senators and Representatives
shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to
thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury
make or alter such Regulations, except as to the of the United States. They shall in all Cases, except
Places of chusing Senators. Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be
The Congress shall assemble at least once in privileged from Arrest during their Attendance
every Year, and such Meeting shall be [on the first at the Session of their respective Houses, and in
Monday in December,] unless they shall by Law going to and returning from the same; and for any
appoint a different Day. Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be
Section. 5. Each House shall be the Judge of questioned in any other Place.
the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own No Senator or Representative shall, during the
Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any
Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may civil Office under the Authority of the United States,
adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to which shall have been created, or the Emoluments
compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such whereof shall have been encreased during such
Manner, and under such Penalties as each House time; and no Person holding any Office under the
may provide. United States, shall be a Member of either House
Each House may determine the Rules of its during his Continuance in Office.
Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Section. 7. All Bills for raising Revenue shall
Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two originate in the House of Representatives; but the
thirds, expel a Member. Senate may propose or concur with Amendments
Each House shall keep a Journal of its as on other Bills.
Proceedings, and from time to time publish Every Bill which shall have passed the House
the same, excepting such Parts as may in their of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it
Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays become a Law, be presented to the President of
of the Members of either House on any question the United States; If he approve he shall sign it,
shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be but if not he shall return it, with his Objections
entered on the Journal. to that House in which it shall have originated,
who shall enter the Objections at large on their
Changed by section 2 of the Twentieth Amendment.
12 13
11. Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such To borrow Money on the credit of the United
Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall States;
agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations,
the Objections, to the other House, by which it and among the several States, and with the Indian
shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by Tribes;
two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization,
in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies
determined by yeas and Nays, and the Names of throughout the United States;
the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and
entered on the Journal of each House respectively. of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights
If any Bill shall not be returned by the President and Measures;
within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting
have been presented to him, the Same shall be a the Securities and current Coin of the United
Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless States;
the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its To establish Post Offices and post Roads;
Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law. To promote the Progress of Science and useful
Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and
the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective
Representatives may be necessary (except on a Writings and Discoveries;
question of Adjournment) shall be presented to To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme
the President of the United States; and before the Court;
Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or To define and punish Piracies and Felonies
being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two committed on the high Seas, and Offences against
thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, the Law of Nations;
according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and
in the Case of a Bill. Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on
Section. 8. The Congress shall have Power To Land and Water;
lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, To raise and support Armies, but no
to pay the Debts and provide for the common Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a
Defence and general Welfare of the United States; longer Term than two Years;
but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform To provide and maintain a Navy;
throughout the United States; To make Rules for the Government and
Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
14 15
12. To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus
the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of
repel Invasions; Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require
To provide for organizing, arming, and it.
disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall
Part of them as may be employed in the Service of be passed.
the United States, reserving to the States respectively, No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid,
the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority unless in Proportion to the Census or enumeration
of training the Militia according to the discipline herein before directed to be taken.
prescribed by Congress; No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles
To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases exported from any State.
whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding No Preference shall be given by any Regulation
ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State
States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to,
Seat of the Government of the United States, and or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay
to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased Duties in another.
by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury,
which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by
Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the
Buildings;—And Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money
To make all Laws which shall be necessary shall be published from time to time.
and proper for carrying into Execution the No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the
foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by United States: And no Person holding any Office
this Constitution in the Government of the United of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the
States, or in any Department or Officer thereof. Consent of the Congress, accept of any present,
Section. 9. The Migration or Importation Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever,
of such Persons as any of the States now existing from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited Section. 10. No State shall enter into any Treaty,
by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque
eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit;
imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender
dollars for each Person. in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex
See the Sixteenth Amendment.

16 17
13. post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same
Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility. State with themselves. And they shall make a List
No State shall, without the Consent of the of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number
Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and
Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the
for executing it’s inspection Laws: and the net Government of the United States, directed to the
Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State President of the Senate. The President of the Senate
on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of
Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the
shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the
the Congress. greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if
No State shall, without the Consent of such Number be a Majority of the whole Number
Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, of Electors appointed; and if there be more than
or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any one who have such Majority, and have an equal
Agreement or Compact with another State, or with Number of Votes, then the House of Representatives
a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for
invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not President; and if no Person have a Majority, then
admit of delay. from the five highest on the List the said House shall
in like Manner chuse the President. But in chusing
Article. II.
the President, the Votes shall be taken by States,
Section. 1. The executive Power shall be vested the Representation from each State having one
in a President of the United States of America. He Vote; A quorum for this Purpose shall consist of a
shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, Member or Members from two thirds of the States,
and, together with the Vice President, chosen for and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary
the same Term, be elected, as follows: to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the
Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as President, the Person having the greatest Number
the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President.
Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and But if there should remain two or more who have
Representatives to which the State may be entitled equal Votes, the Senate shall chuse from them by
in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, Ballot the Vice President.]
or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under The Congress may determine the Time of
the United States, shall be appointed an Elector. chusing the Electors, and the Day on which they
[The Electors shall meet in their respective
States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom Changed by the Twelfth Amendment.

18 19
14. shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same Section. 2. The President shall be Commander
throughout the United States. in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States,
No Person except a natural born Citizen, or and of the Militia of the several States, when called
a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the into the actual Service of the United States; he may
Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal
the Office of President; neither shall any Person be Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon
eligible to that Office who shall not have attained any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective
to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves
Years a Resident within the United States. and Pardons for Offences against the United States,
[In Case of the Removal of the President from except in Cases of Impeachment.
Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to He shall have Power, by and with the Advice
discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties,
the Same shall devolve on the Vice President, and provided two thirds of the Senators present
the Congress may by Law provide for the Case concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with
of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint
of the President and Vice President, declaring Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls,
what Officer shall then act as President, and such Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers
Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be of the United States, whose Appointments are not
removed, or a President shall be elected.] herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be
The President shall, at stated Times, receive for established by Law: but the Congress may by Law
his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as
be increased nor diminished during the Period for they think proper, in the President alone, in the
which he shall have been elected, and he shall not Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.
receive within that Period any other Emolument The President shall have Power to fill up all
from the United States, or any of them. Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of
Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall
he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:—”I expire at the End of their next Session.
do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully Section. 3. He shall from time to time give
execute the Office of President of the United States, to the Congress Information of the State of the
and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect Union, and recommend to their Consideration
and defend the Constitution of the United States.” such Measures as he shall judge necessary and
expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions,
convene both Houses, or either of them, and in
Changed by the Twenty-Fifth Amendment.
20 21
15. Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect State;—] between Citizens of different States;—
to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands
to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall under Grants of different States, [and between a
receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States,
shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, Citizens or Subjects.]
and shall Commission all the Officers of the United In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other
States. public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which
Section. 4. The President,Vice President and all a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have
civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before
from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate
of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such
Misdemeanors. Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the
Congress shall make.
Article III. The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of
Section. 1. The judicial Power of the United Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall
States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and be held in the State where the said Crimes shall
in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from have been committed; but when not committed
time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or
of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Places as the Congress may by Law have directed.
Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Section. 3. Treason against the United States,
Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, shall consist only in levying War against them, or
which shall not be diminished during their in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and
Continuance in Office. Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason
Section. 2. The judicial Power shall extend unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the
to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and The Congress shall have Power to declare the
Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason
Authority;—to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture
other public Ministers and Consuls;—to all Cases except during the Life of the Person attainted.
of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;—to
Controversies to which the United States shall be
a Party;—to Controversies between two or more
States;—[between a State and Citizens of another Changed by the Eleventh Amendment.

Changed by the Eleventh Amendment.

22 23
16. Article. IV. the Territory or other Property belonging to the
United States; and nothing in this Constitution
Section. 1. Full Faith and Credit shall be given
shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of
in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial
the United States, or of any particular State.
Proceedings of every other State; And the Congress
may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in Section. 4. The United States shall guarantee
which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be to every State in this Union a Republican Form of
proved, and the Effect thereof. Government, and shall protect each of them against
Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or
Section. 2. The Citizens of each State shall be
of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be
entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens
convened) against domestic Violence.
in the several States.
A Person charged in any State with Treason, Article. V.
Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice,
The Congress, whenever two thirds of both
and be found in another State, shall on Demand of
Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose
the executive Authority of the State from which he
Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the
fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State
Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the
having Jurisdiction of the Crime.
several States, shall call a Convention for proposing
[No Person held to Service or Labour in one
Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to
State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another,
all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution,
shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation
when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths
therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour,
of the several States, or by Conventions in three
but shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to
fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of
whom such Service or Labour may be due.]10
Ratification may be proposed by the Congress;
Section. 3. New States may be admitted by Provided that no Amendment which may be made
the Congress into this Union; but no new State prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and
shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth
of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and
Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived
without the Consent of the Legislatures of the of it’s equal Suffrage in the Senate.
States concerned as well as of the Congress.
The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and Article. VI.
make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting All Debts contracted and Engagements entered
into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall
Changed by the Thirteenth Amendment.
24 25
17. be as valid against the United States under this Signers of the
Constitution, as under the Confederation. Constitution of the United States of America
This Constitution, and the Laws of the United
States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; New Hampshire Delaware
John Langdon Geo: Read
and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, Nicholas Gilman Gunning Bedford jun
under the Authority of the United States, shall be Massachusetts John Dickinson
the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in Nathaniel Gorham Richard Bassett
every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Rufus King Jaco: Broom
Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary Connecticut Maryland
Wm. Saml. Johnson James McHenry
notwithstanding. Dan of St Thos. Jenifer
Roger Sherman
The Senators and Representatives before Danl Carroll
mentioned, and the Members of the several State New York
Alexander Hamilton Virginia
Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, John Blair—
New Jersey James Madison Jr.
both of the United States and of the several States, Wil: Livingston
shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support David Brearley North Carolina
this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be Wm. Paterson Wm. Blount
Jona: Dayton Richd. Dobbs Spaight
required as a Qualification to any Office or public Hu Williamson
Trust under the United States. Pennsylvania
South Carolina
B Franklin
Article. VII. Thomas Mifflin J. Rutledge
Robt Morris Charles Cotesworth Pinckney
The Ratification of the Conventions of nine Geo. Clymer Charles Pinckney
Pierce Butler
States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of Thos. FitzSimons
this Constitution between the States so ratifying Jared Ingersoll Georgia
James Wilson William Few
the Same. Gouv Morris Abr Baldwin
done in Convention by the Unanimous
Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Attest William Jackson Secretary
Day of September in the Year of our Lord one
thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of
the Independence of the United States of America
the Twelfth In Witness whereof We have hereunto
subscribed our Names,
G°.Washington—Presid.t
and deputy from Virginia
26 27
18. In Convention Monday That after such Publication the Electors should
September 17th 1787. be appointed, and the Senators and Representatives
elected: That the Electors should meet on the
Present Day fixed for the Election of the President, and
The States of should transmit their Votes certified, signed,
sealed and directed, as the Constitution requires,
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Mr. to the Secretary of the United States in Congress
Hamilton from NewYork, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, assembled, that the Senators and Representatives
Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, should convene at the Time and Place assigned;
South Carolina and Georgia. that the Senators should appoint a President of the
Senate, for the sole Purpose of receiving, opening
Resolved, and counting the Votes for President; and, that after
That the preceeding Constitution be laid he shall be chosen, the Congress, together with
before the United States in Congress assembled, the President, should, without Delay, proceed to
and that it is the Opinion of this Convention, that execute this Constitution.
it should afterwards be submitted to a Convention
of Delegates, chosen in each State by the People By the unanimous Order of the Convention
thereof, under the Recommendation of its G°. WASHINGTON—Presid.t
Legislature, for their Assent and Ratification; and
W. JACKSON Secretary.
that each Convention assenting to, and ratifying
the Same, should give Notice thereof to the United
States in Congress assembled. Resolved, That it is
the Opinion of this Convention, that as soon as
the Conventions of nine States shall have ratified
this Constitution, the United States in Congress
assembled should fix a Day on which Electors
should be appointed by the States which shall have
ratified the same, and a Day on which the Electors
should assemble to vote for the President, and
the Time and Place for commencing Proceedings
under this Constitution.
28 29
19. Congress OF THE United States11 Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to the
begun and held at the City of New-York, fifth Article of the original Constitution....
on Wednesday the fourth of March,
one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine FREDERICK AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
THE Conventions of a number of the
JOHN ADAMS, Vice-President of the United States,
States, having at the time of their adopting the and President of the Senate.
Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent ATTEST,
misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further JOHN BECKLEY, Clerk of the House of
Representatives.
declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added:
SAM. A. OTIS, Secretary of the Senate.
And as extending the ground of public confidence
in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent
ends of its institution:
RESOLVED by the Senate and House of
Representatives of the United States of America,
in Congress assembled, two thirds of both
Houses concurring, that the following Articles be
proposed to the Legislatures of the several States,
as Amendments to the Constitution of the United
States, all or any of which Articles, when ratified
by three fourths of the said Legislatures, to be
valid to all intents and purposes, as part of the said
Constitution; viz.t.
ARTICLES in addition to, and Amendment of
the Constitution of the United States of America,
proposed by Congress, and ratified by the
 n September 25, 1789, Congress transmitted to the
O
state legislatures twelve proposed amendments, two of
which, having to do with Congressional representation and
Congressional pay, were not adopted. The remaining ten
amendments became the Bill of Rights. The amendment
concerning Congressional pay was ratified on May 7,
1992, becoming the Twenty-Seventh Amendment to the
Constitution.
30 31
20. Amendments12
to the Constitution of the
United States of America
Amendment I.
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.
Amendment II.
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.
Amendment III.
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.
Amendment IV.
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, supported by Oath or affirmation,
and particularly describing the place to be searched,
and the persons or things to be seized.
The first ten Amendments (the Bill of Rights) were ratified
12
effective December 15, 1791.
32 33
21. Amendment V. Amendment VIII.
No person shall be held to answer for a Excessive bail shall not be required, nor
capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual
presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except punishments inflicted.
in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in
Amendment IX.
the Militia, when in actual service in time of War
or public danger; nor shall any person be subject The enumeration in the Constitution of certain
for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage
life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal others retained by the people.
case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived
Amendment X.
of life, liberty, or property, without due process of
law; nor shall private property be taken for public The powers not delegated to the United States
use, without just compensation. by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the
States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to
Amendment VI.
the people.
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall
Amendment XI.13
enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an
impartial jury of the State and district wherein the The Judicial power of the United States shall
crime shall have been committed; which district not be construed to extend to any suit in law or
shall have been previously ascertained by law, and equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of
to be informed of the nature and cause of the the United States by Citizens of another State, or by
accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State.
against him; to have compulsory process for
Amendment XII.14
obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the
assistance of counsel for his defence. The Electors shall meet in their respective
states, and vote by ballot for President and Vice-
Amendment VII.
President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an
In Suits at common law, where the value in inhabitant of the same state with themselves; they
controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right shall name in their ballots the person voted for as
of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried President, and in distinct ballots the person voted
by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct
Court of the United States, than according to the
rules of the common law. The Eleventh Amendment was ratified February 7, 1795.
13
The Twelfth Amendment was ratified June 15, 1804.
14
34 35
22. lists of all persons voted for as President, and of then from the two highest numbers on the list, the
all persons voted for as Vice-President, and of the Senate shall choose the Vice-President; a quorum
number of votes for each, which lists they shall for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the
sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of whole number of Senators, and a majority of the
the government of the United States, directed to whole number shall be necessary to a choice. But
the President of the Senate;—The President of the no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of
Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President
of Representatives, open all the certificates and the of the United States.
votes shall then be counted;—The person having
Amendment XIII.16
the greatest number of votes for President, shall
be the President, if such number be a majority of Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary
the whole number of Electors appointed; and if no servitude, except as a punishment for crime
person have such majority, then from the persons whereof the party shall have been duly convicted,
having the highest numbers not exceeding three on shall exist within the United States, or any place
the list of those voted for as President, the House subject to their jurisdiction.
of Representatives shall choose immediately, by Section 2. Congress shall have power to
ballot, the President. But in choosing the President, enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
the votes shall be taken by states, the representation
from each state having one vote; a quorum for this Amendment XIV.17
purpose shall consist of a member or members Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in
from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of the United States and subject to the jurisdiction
all the states shall be necessary to a choice. [And thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the
if the House of Representatives shall not choose State wherein they reside. No State shall make or
a President whenever the right of choice shall enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges
devolve upon them, before the fourth day of March or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor
next following, then the Vice-President shall act shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty,
as President, as in the case of the death or other or property, without due process of law; nor deny
constitutional disability of the President—]15 The to any person within its jurisdiction the equal
person having the greatest number of votes as protection of the laws.
Vice-President, shall be the Vice-President, if such
Section 2. Representatives shall be apportioned
number be a majority of the whole number of
among the several States according to their
Electors appointed, and if no person have a majority,
The Thirteenth Amendment was ratified December 6, 1865.
16
Superseded by section 3 of the Twentieth Amendment.
The Fourteenth Amendment was ratified July 9, 1868.
17
36 37
23. respective numbers, counting the whole number shall not be questioned. But neither the United
of persons in each State, excluding Indians not States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt
taxed. But when the right to vote at any election or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or
for the choice of electors for President and Vice rebellion against the United States, or any claim for
President of the United States, Representatives in the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such
Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of a debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal
State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is and void.
denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, Section 5. The Congress shall have power to
being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions
the United States, or in any way abridged, except of this article.
for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the
basis of representation therein shall be reduced in Amendment XV.18
the proportion which the number of such male Section 1. The right of citizens of the United
citizens shall bear to the whole number of male States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by
citizens twenty-one years of age in such State. the United States or by any State on account of
Section 3. No person shall be a Senator or race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Representative in Congress, or elector of President Section 2. The Congress shall have power to
and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
military, under the United States, or under any
State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a Amendment XVI.19
member of Congress, or as an officer of the United The Congress shall have power to lay and collect
States, or as a member of any State legislature, or taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived,
as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to without apportionment among the several States,
support the Constitution of the United States, shall and without regard to any census or enumeration.
have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against
the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies Amendment XVII.20
thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds The Senate of the United States shall be
of each House, remove such disability. composed of two Senators from each State, elected
Section 4. The validity of the public debt of the by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator
United States, authorized by law, including debts shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall
incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for
services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, 18
The Fifteenth Amendment was ratified February 3, 1870.
19
The Sixteenth Amendment was ratified February 3, 1913.
20
The Seventeenth Amendment was ratified April 8, 1913.
38 39
24. have the qualifications requisite for electors of the Amendment XIX.22
most numerous branch of the State legislatures.
The right of citizens of the United States to
When vacancies happen in the representation
vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United
of any State in the Senate, the executive authority
States or by any State on account of sex.
of such State shall issue writs of election to fill
Congress shall have power to enforce this
such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any
article by appropriate legislation.
State may empower the executive thereof to make
temporary appointments until the people fill the Amendment XX.23
vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.
Section 1. The terms of the President and
This amendment shall not be so construed as
the Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th
to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen
day of January, and the terms of Senators and
before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.
Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January,
Amendment XVIII.21 of the years in which such terms would have ended
if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of
[Section 1. After one year from the
their successors shall then begin.
ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or
transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the Section 2. The Congress shall assemble at least
importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at
from the United States and all territory subject to noon on the 3d day of January, unless they shall by
the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is law appoint a different day.
hereby prohibited. Section 3. If, at the time fixed for the beginning
Section 2. The Congress and the several States of the term of the President, the President elect shall
shall have concurrent power to enforce this article have died, the Vice President elect shall become
by appropriate legislation. President. If a President shall not have been chosen
before the time fixed for the beginning of his term,
Section 3. This article shall be inoperative
or if the President elect shall have failed to qualify,
unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment
then the Vice President elect shall act as President
to the Constitution by the legislatures of the several
until a President shall have qualified; and the
States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven
Congress may by law provide for the case wherein
years from the date of the submission hereof to the
neither a President elect nor a Vice President elect
States by the Congress.]
shall have qualified, declaring who shall then act
The Eighteenth Amendment was ratified January 16, 1919.
It was repealed by the Twenty-First Amendment, December The Nineteenth Amendment was ratified August 18, 1920.
22
5, 1933. The Twentieth Amendment was ratified January 23, 1933.
23
40 41
25. as President, or the manner in which one who is Section 3. This article shall be inoperative
to act shall be selected, and such person shall act unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment
accordingly until a President or Vice President shall to the Constitution by conventions in the several
have qualified. States, as provided in the Constitution, within
Section 4. The Congress may by law provide seven years from the date of the submission hereof
for the case of the death of any of the persons from to the States by the Congress.
whom the House of Representatives may choose a Amendment XXII.25
President whenever the right of choice shall have
devolved upon them, and for the case of the death Section 1. No person shall be elected to
of any of the persons from whom the Senate may the office of the President more than twice, and
choose a Vice President whenever the right of no person who has held the office of President,
choice shall have devolved upon them. or acted as President, for more than two years of
a term to which some other person was elected
Section 5. Sections 1 and 2 shall take effect on
President shall be elected to the office of President
the 15th day of October following the ratification
more than once. But this Article shall not apply to
of this article.
any person holding the office of President when
Section 6. This article shall be inoperative this Article was proposed by the Congress, and
unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment shall not prevent any person who may be holding
to the Constitution by the legislatures of three- the office of President, or acting as President,
fourths of the several States within seven years during the term within which this Article becomes
from the date of its submission. operative from holding the office of President or
Amendment XXI.24 acting as President during the remainder of such
term.
Section 1.The eighteenth article of amendment
Section 2. This article shall be inoperative
to the Constitution of the United States is hereby
unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment
to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-
Section 2. The transportation or importation fourths of the several States within seven years
into any State, Territory, or Possession of the United from the date of its submission to the States by the
States for delivery or use therein of intoxicating Congress.
liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby
The Twenty-Second Amendment was ratified February 27,
25
The Twenty-First Amendment was ratified December 5, 1933.
1951.
42 43
26. Amendment XXIII.26 Amendment XXV.28
Section 1. The District constituting the seat of Section 1. In case of the removal of the
Government of the United States shall appoint in President from office or of his death or resignation,
such manner as Congress may direct: the Vice President shall become President.
A number of electors of President and Vice Section 2. Whenever there is a vacancy in
President equal to the whole number of Senators the office of the Vice President, the President shall
and Representatives in Congress to which the nominate a Vice President who shall take office
District would be entitled if it were a State, but in upon confirmation by a majority vote of both
no event more than the least populous State; they Houses of Congress.
shall be in addition to those appointed by the States,
Section 3. Whenever the President transmits
but they shall be considered, for the purposes of
to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the
the election of President and Vice President, to be
Speaker of the House of Representatives his written
electors appointed by a State; and they shall meet
declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers
in the District and perform such duties as provided
and duties of his office, and until he transmits to
by the twelfth article of amendment.
them a written declaration to the contrary, such
Section 2. The Congress shall have power to powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice
enforce this article by appropriate legislation. President as Acting President.
Amendment XXIV.27 Section 4. Whenever the Vice President and
a majority of either the principal officers of the
Section 1. The right of citizens of the United
executive departments or of such other body
States to vote in any primary or other election for
as Congress may by law provide, transmit to
President or Vice President, for electors for President
the President pro tempore of the Senate and the
or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative
Speaker of the House of Representatives their
in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the
written declaration that the President is unable to
United States or any State by reason of failure to
discharge the powers and duties of his office, the
pay any poll tax or other tax.
Vice President shall immediately assume the powers
Section 2. The Congress shall have power to and duties of the office as Acting President.
enforce this article by appropriate legislation. Thereafter, when the President transmits
to the President pro tempore of the Senate and
the Speaker of the House of Representatives his
The Twenty-Third Amendment was ratified March 29, 1961.
The Twenty-Fourth Amendment was ratified January 23,
The Twenty-Fifth Amendment was ratified February 10,
28
1964. 1967.
44 45
27. written declaration that no inability exists, he Amendment XXVII.30
shall resume the powers and duties of his office
No law, varying the compensation for the
unless the Vice President and a majority of either
services of the Senators and Representatives, shall
the principal officers of the executive department
take effect, until an election of Representatives shall
or of such other body as Congress may by law
have intervened.
provide, transmit within four days to the President
pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the
House of Representatives their written declaration
that the President is unable to discharge the powers
and duties of his office. Thereupon Congress shall
decide the issue, assembling within forty-eight
hours for that purpose if not in session. If the
Congress, within twenty-one days after receipt of
the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not
in session, within twenty-one days after Congress
is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds
vote of both Houses that the President is unable to
discharge the powers and duties of his office, the
Vice President shall continue to discharge the same
as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall
resume the powers and duties of his office.
Amendment XXVI.29
Section 1. 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 by any State on account of age.
Section 2. The Congress shall have power to
enforce this article by appropriate legislation.  ongress submitted the text of the Twenty-Seventh
C
30
Amendment to the States as part of the proposed Bill of
Rights on September 25, 1789. The Amendment was not
ratified together with the first ten Amendments, which
became effective on December 15, 1791. The Twenty-
Seventh Amendment was ratified on May 7, 1992, by vote of
The Twenty-Sixth Amendment was ratified July 1, 1971.
Michigan.
46 47
28. Dates to Remember index to the Constitution of the
united States and amendments
May 25, 1787: The Constitutional Convention opens
with a quorum of seven states in Philadelphia to discuss Article, section Page
revising the Articles of Confederation. Eventually, all Admiralty & Maritime cases III,2 22
states but Rhode Island are represented. Advice and consent II,2 21
Age, as qualification for public
September 17, 1787: All 12 state delegations approve office
president II,1 20
the Constitution, 39 delegates sign it of the 42 present, representatives I,2 9
and the Convention formally adjourns. senators I,3 11
voting A26 46
June 21, 1788: The Constitution becomes effective for Ambassadors
the ratifying states when New Hampshire is the ninth Case controversies III,2 23
state to ratify it. President’s power II,2-3 21-22
Amendment procedure V 25
March 4, 1789: The first Congress under the Appellate jurisdiction III,2 23
Constitution convenes in New York City. Appointment power II,2 21
Appointments, temporary A17 40
April 30, 1789: George Washington is inaugurated as Apportionment of representatives I,2;A14,2 9-10; 37-38
Appropriations(s) I,8,9 14, 17
the first President of the United States. Arms, right to bear A2 33
Army II,2 21
June 8, 1789: James Madison introduces the proposed Assembly, right of A1 33
Bill of Rights in the House of Representatives. Authors I,8 15
Bail, excessive A8 35
September 24, 1789: Congress establishes a Supreme Bankruptcy, Congress’ power I,8 15
Court, 13 district courts, three ad hoc circuit courts, Bill of Rights (Amends. 1-10) A1-A10 33-35
and the position of Attorney General. Bills I,7 13-14
Bills of attainder I,9-10 17
September 25, 1789: Congress approves 12 Borrowing, Congress’ power I,8 15
amendments and sends them to the states for Cabinet officers’ reports II,2 21
Census I,2 9-10
ratification. Chief Justice, role in
impeachment trials I,3 11
February 2, 1790: The Supreme Court convenes for the Commander in Chief II,2 21
first time. Commerce, Congress’ power I,8 15
Commission of officers II,3 22
December 15, 1791: Virginia ratifies the Bill of Rights, Compact I,10 18
and 10 of the 12 proposed amendments become part Congress
of the U.S. Constitution. annual meetings I,4;A20,2 12; 41
declaring war I,8 15
legislative proceedings I,5 12-13
48 49
29. Article, section Page Article, section Page
Congress—Continued House of Representatives—Continued
members’ compensation and special powers
privileges I,6;A27 13; 47 impeachment I,2 10
organization I,1 9 Presidential elections II,1;A12 18-20; 35-37
powers I,8;A12 14-16; 35-37 revenue bills I,7 13
special sessions II,3 21-22 states’ representation in I,2 9-10
Congressional Record (Journal) I,5 12-13 vacancies I,2 10
Constitution, purpose Preamble 9 Immunities (see Privileges
Contracts, interference by states I,10 17-18 and immunities)
Controversies, court cases III,2 22-23 Impeachment
Conventions V;VII;A21 25; 26; 43 officials subject to II,4 22
Copyrights & patents, penalties I,3 11-12
Congress’ power I,8 15 power of, lodged in House I,2 10
Counsel, right to A6 34 reasons II,4 22
Counterfeiting, Congress’ trials, Senate I,3 11
power to punish I,8 15 Indians, commerce with,
Courts (see Judiciary) Congress’ power I,8 15
Criminal proceedings, rights of Inhabitant (see Resident) I,2;I,3 9; 11
accused A5;A6 34 International law,
Currency, Congress’ power I,8 15 Congress’ power I,8 15
Defense, Congress’ power I,8 14 Inventors I,8 15
District of Columbia I,8;A23 16; 44 Judiciary
Double jeopardy A5 34 inferior courts I,8;III,1 15; 22
Due process of law A5;A14,1 34; 37 judicial review III,2 22-23
Electoral College II,1;A12;A23 18-19; jurisdiction III,2 22-23
35-37; 44 nomination & confirmation
Equal protection of laws A14,1 37 of judges II,2 21
Equity III,2;A11 22; 35 Supreme Court III,1 22
Ex post facto laws I,9-10 17-18 terms of office &
Extradition of fugitives by states IV,2 24 compensation III,1 22
Fines, excessive A8 35 Jury trials III,2;A6;A7 23; 34; 34
Foreign affairs, President’s power II,2 21 “Lame duck” amendment A20 41
Foreign commerce, Congress’ Liquor A18;A21 40; 42
power I,8 15 Marque and reprisal, letters of I,8,10 15; 17
“Full faith and credit” clause IV,1 24 Men (see Persons)
General welfare, Congress’ power I,8 14 Militia (Military) A2;A5 33; 34
Grand jury indictments A5 34 congressional powers I,8 15-16
Grievances, redress of A1 33 presidential powers II,2 21
Habeas corpus I,9 17 Money I,8 15
House of Representatives National debt VI 25-26
election to & eligibility for I,2 9 National Americans (see Indians)
members’ terms of office I,2;I,6 9; 13 Naturalization I,8 15
Speaker of I,2;A24;A25,3-4 10; Navy I,8;II,2 15; 21
44-46 “Necessary and proper” clause I,8 16
50 51
30. Article, section Page Article, section Page
Nominate II,2;A25 21; 45 Senate—Continued
Oath of office, federal and state II,1;VI 20; 26 special powers
Original jurisdiction III,2 23 impeachment trials I,3 11-12
Pardons and reprieves, Presidential appointments II,2 21
President’s power II,2 21 treaties II,2 21
People, powers reserved to A10 35 terms of office I,3;I,6 10; 13
Persons A14 37-38 vacancies A17 39-40
Petition the government, right to A1 33 Slavery, prohibition A13;A14,4 37; 38-39
“Pocket veto” I,7 14 Soldiers, quartering of A3 33
Poll tax, prohibition A24,1 44 Speech, freedom of A1 33
Post offices & roads, Spending, Congress’ power I,8 14-15
Congress’ power I,8 15 State of Union message II,3 21
Presidency, succession to II,1;A20;A25 20; 41-42; States
45-46 and federal elections I,4 12
President formation & admission to
disability A25,3 45 Union IV,3 24-25
election II,1;A12;A22; 18-20; powers requiring consent of
A23 35-37; 43; 44 Congress I,10 17-18
eligibility for office II,1 20 powers reserved to A10 35
legislation, role in I,7 13-14 protection against invasion,
oath of office II,1 20 violence IV,4 25
powers & duties II,2-3 21-22 republican form of
term of office & compensation II,1 18-20 government guaranteed IV,4 25
Press, freedom of A1 33 suits against III,2;A11 22-23; 35
Privileges and immunities Sundays I,7 14
(of citizens) IV,2;A14,1 24; 37 Supreme law of the land
Prohibition A18;A21 40; 42 (Constitution) VI 26
Property, taking for public use A5 34 Taxing power, in general I,7-8 13-14
Punishments, cruel and unusual A8 35 direct taxes prohibited I,9 17
Race A15 39 income taxes permitted A16 39
Ratification of Constitution V;VII 25; 26 Territories IV,3 24-25
Religion, freedom of A1 33 Titles of nobility I,9 17
Religious oaths VI 26 Treason II,4;III,3 22; 23
Resident (see Inhabitant) II,1 20 Treaty(ies) I,10;II,2; 17; 21;
Search and seizure A4 33 III,2;VI 22; 26
Seas, Congress’ power I,8 15 Trial I,3;III,2; 12; 23;
Secrecy I,5 12 A6;A7 34
Self-incrimination A5 34 Veto, President’s power I,7 13-14
Senate Vice-Presidency, succession to A20;A25 41-42; 45-46
election to & eligibility for I,3 11 Vice-President
equal representation of states V 25 conditions for assuming
officers I,3 11 Presidency II,1;A20; 20; 41-42;
President of I,3;A12 11; 36 A25 45-46
President of, pro tempore I,3;A25,3-4 11; 45-46
52 53