Article I

The Legislative Branch

Overview

Article I establishes Congress as the legislative branch of the federal government. It creates a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives, defines their powers, and sets limitations on both federal and state authority.

Section 1 - Legislative Powers

All legislative powers are vested in Congress, consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Section 2 - The House of Representatives

Members elected every two years by the people
Must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for 7 years, and a resident of their state
Representation based on state population
House has sole power of impeachment

Section 3 - The Senate

Two Senators from each state, serving six-year terms
Must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for 9 years, and a resident of their state
Vice President serves as President of the Senate
Senate has sole power to try impeachments

Section 4 - Elections and Meetings

States regulate election times, places, and manner, but Congress may override. Congress must meet at least once per year.

Section 5 - Rules and Proceedings

Each house judges its own elections, sets its own rules, and can expel members with a two-thirds vote.

Section 6 - Compensation and Privileges

Members receive compensation from the U.S. Treasury
Protected from arrest during sessions (except for treason, felony, or breach of peace)
Cannot hold other federal offices while serving in Congress

Section 7 - How Bills Become Laws

All revenue bills must originate in the House
Both chambers must pass identical versions of a bill
President can sign or veto legislation
Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers

Section 8 - Powers of Congress

Congress has the power to:

Levy taxes, duties, and excises
Borrow money on U.S. credit
Regulate interstate and foreign commerce
Establish naturalization and bankruptcy laws
Coin money and regulate its value
Establish post offices and post roads
Grant patents and copyrights
Create federal courts below the Supreme Court
Declare war and regulate the military
Make all laws "necessary and proper" to execute its powers

Section 9 - Limits on Federal Power

No ex post facto laws or bills of attainder
Habeas corpus cannot be suspended except in emergencies
No taxes on exports from states
No titles of nobility
No money drawn from Treasury without appropriation

Section 10 - Limits on State Power

States cannot make treaties, coin money, or grant titles of nobility
States cannot impair contracts
States cannot tax imports/exports without Congressional consent
States cannot keep troops or make agreements with other states without Congressional consent