Article I of the Constitution- Analysis and Reflection Questions
1. Overview
- **Purpose**: Article I outlines the structure, powers, and duties of the
legislative branch of the U.S. government.
1. **Section 1: Legislative Powers**
- **Summary**: All legislative powers are vested in a Congress, which
consists of a Senate and a House of Representatives.
- **Key Point**: Establishes the bicameral (two-chamber) structure of
Congress.
2. **Section 2: The House of Representatives**
- **Summary**: Details the composition, election, and powers of the House of
Representatives.
- **Key Points**:
- Members are elected every two years.
- Representatives must be at least 25 years old and have been a U.S.
citizen for at least 7 years.
- Representation is based on population, with apportionment determined by
the census.
- The House has the power to create revenue bills and begin the
process to impeach federal officials.
3. **Section 3: The Senate**
- **Summary**: Details the composition, election, and powers of the Senate.
- **Key Points**:
- Senators serve six-year terms.
- Each state has two Senators, regardless of population.
- Senators must be at least 30 years old and have been a U.S. citizen for
at least 9 years.
- The Senate has the power to try impeachments and approve treaties
and appointments.
4. **Section 4: Elections and Meetings**
- **Summary**: Outlines the rules for elections and meetings of Congress.
- **Key Points**:
- States determine the times and places of elections, but Congress can
alter these rules.
- Congress must meet at least once a year.
5. **Section 5: Rules and Proceedings**
- **Summary**: Establishes the rules for each chamber's proceedings and
member qualifications.
- **Key Points**:
- Each chamber sets its own rules and can expel members with a two-
thirds vote.
- Both chambers must keep a journal of their proceedings.
6. **Section 6: Compensation, Privileges, and Restrictions**
- **Summary**: Addresses compensation, privileges, and restrictions for members
of Congress.
- **Key Points**:
- Members receive compensation and cannot be arrested during
sessions except for serious crimes.
- Members cannot hold other federal positions during their terms.
7. **Section 7: Legislative Process**
- **Summary**: Describes the process for creating laws.
- **Key Points**:
- Bills can be introduced in either the House or Senate, except for revenue
bills, which must originate in the House.
- A bill becomes law if approved by both houses and signed by the
President, or if a veto is overridden.
8. **Section 8: Powers of Congress**
- **Summary**: Lists the specific powers granted to Congress.
- **Key Points**:
- Includes the power to tax, borrow money, regulate commerce, declare
war, and maintain armed forces.
- Grants Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper for
executing its enumerated powers (Necessary and Proper Clause).
9. **Section 9: Limits on Congressional Power**
- **Summary**: Lists limitations on Congress's powers.
- **Key Points**:
- Congress cannot suspend habeas corpus (except in emergencies),
pass ex post facto laws, or grant titles of nobility.
10. **Section 10: Limits on State Powers**
- **Summary**: Prohibits states from certain actions.
- **Key Points**:
- States cannot enter into treaties, coin money, or levy duties on
imports/exports without Congress's consent.
**3. Important Concepts**
- **Bicameral Legislature**: The division of Congress into the House of
Representatives and the Senate.
- **Enumerated Powers**: Powers specifically listed in the Constitution for Congress.
- **Necessary and Proper Clause**: Allows Congress to pass laws needed to carry
out its enumerated powers.
- **Impeachment Process**: The House initiates impeachment, while the Senate
conducts the trial.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
1.How does the structure of Congress reflect the principle of federalism?
2. What are the key differences between the powers and responsibilities of the
House and the Senate?
3. Why do you think the framers included the Necessary and Proper Clause in Article
I?
4. What limitations are placed on Congressional powers, and how do these protect
individual liberties?
