The Seven Articles of the U.S. Constitution
The Constitution’s seven Articles establish the framework of American government — creating three branches, defining their powers, and setting the rules for how they operate together. Each article is now available as a detailed, focused analysis using the TICRI Constitutional Breakdown methodology.
Navigate by Article
🏛️ Article I — The Legislative Branch
Congress: The Power to Make Laws
All federal lawmaking authority, including the power to tax, regulate interstate commerce, declare war, and establish federal courts. Divided into House of Representatives and Senate with specific powers and limitations.
Key Powers: Taxation, interstate commerce regulation, war declarations, federal court creation, impeachment
Key Limits: Enumerated powers only, no bills of attainder, no ex post facto laws
🏢 Article II — The Executive Branch
The President: The Power to Execute Laws
Presidential powers including command of armed forces, treaty-making, appointments, and faithful execution of laws. Establishes Electoral College system and impeachment process.
Key Powers: Commander-in-Chief, treaty negotiations, federal appointments, law enforcement
Key Limits: Senate approval for treaties/appointments, congressional oversight, impeachment
⚖️ Article III — The Judicial Branch
Federal Courts: The Power to Interpret Laws
Federal judiciary structure, judicial independence, and constitutional protections. Establishes Supreme Court and defines federal court jurisdiction over constitutional questions and interstate disputes.
Key Powers: Constitutional interpretation, federal law adjudication, interstate dispute resolution
Key Limits: Cases and controversies only, no advisory opinions, judicial impeachment possible
🗺️ Article IV — Interstate Relations
States Working Together: Federalism in Action
How states interact with each other and requirements for mutual recognition. Includes Full Faith and Credit Clause, extradition procedures, and federal guarantee of republican government.
Key Principles: Full Faith and Credit, interstate privileges and immunities, state admission process
Key Protections: Republican government guarantee, protection from invasion and domestic violence
📝 Article V — Amendment Process
Constitutional Change: How to Modify the Constitution
The deliberately difficult process for amending the Constitution. Requires broad consensus through multiple pathways for both proposing and ratifying constitutional changes.
Proposal Methods: Congressional 2/3 vote OR Constitutional Convention
Ratification Methods: State legislatures 3/4 OR State conventions 3/4
Permanent Protection: Equal Senate representation cannot be changed without state consent
⚡ Article VI — Federal Supremacy
Supreme Law of the Land: Federal vs State Authority
The Supremacy Clause establishing federal constitutional law as supreme, oath requirements for all officials, and prohibition on religious tests for public office.
Core Principle: Federal law supreme when constitutional
Official Requirements: Constitutional oath for all federal and state officials
Religious Freedom: No religious tests for public office
🎯 Article VII — Ratification
Constitutional Birth: How the Constitution Became Law
The historical process by which the Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation, requiring only nine states for ratification through popular conventions.
Requirements: 9 of 13 state ratifications through popular conventions
Legacy: Established constitutional legitimacy through popular sovereignty
Historical Significance: Completed transformation to federal constitutional republic
Understanding the Constitutional Framework
Why Seven Articles?
The Framers organized the Constitution into seven logical divisions:
- Articles I-III: The three branches of government (separation of powers)
- Article IV: How states relate to each other (federalism)
- Article V: How to change the Constitution (amendment process)
- Article VI: Which laws are supreme (federal supremacy)
- Article VII: How the Constitution became valid (ratification)
Key Constitutional Principles
🔄 Separation of Powers
Each branch has distinct functions to prevent concentration of power
⚖️ Checks and Balances
Each branch can limit the others to prevent abuse
🏛️ Federalism
Power divided between national and state governments
📋 Enumerated Powers
Federal government has only the powers specifically granted
👥 Popular Sovereignty
Government authority derives from the people
The TICRI Constitutional Breakdown Method
Each article page uses our comprehensive TICRI analysis framework:
- 📜 Exact Constitutional Text — Word-for-word from the Constitution
- 💭 Plain English Translation — What it actually means
- ⚡ Government Powers Created — What authority is granted
- 🚫 Government Restrictions — What limits are imposed
- ❌ What It Does NOT Say — Common misconceptions clarified
- ⚖️ Supreme Court Interpretations — How courts have applied it
- 📝 Constitutional Amendments — How it’s been modified
- 🎯 TICRI Summary — Key takeaways for civic education
Why This Matters
Understanding the Constitution’s structure is essential for informed citizenship. These seven articles:
- Create the government we live under today
- Define what our government can and cannot do
- Establish how power is divided and checked
- Guarantee both federal authority and state rights
- Ensure democratic participation and constitutional change