Constitution HandbookThe Preamble and Article

1The Legislature

Essential Question: Examine how Article 1 shows the Constitution as defined yet flexible.

Purpose of thePreamble

Is the introduction to the Constitution

States that the new government has the right to rule Has the approval of the people and they have the right to create a government

States the function of the new government Create a nation where the states work together

Keep peace in the country

Protect against attack

Ensure the well being of the people

Make sure future citizens stay free

Article 1 sections 1-6the organization of Congress

Congress = legislative , law making branch of government

Two housesHouse of Representatives = lower house

Senate = upper house

Article 1 Section 1House of Representatives

Elected every 2 years

Based on population

Chooses the Speaker of the House: Leader of the house

Have the power to impeach

Requirements:25 years old

U.S. citizen for 7 years

Live in the state you want to represent

Article1 section 2= Senate

Upper house of Congress

Holds the trial for impeachment

Each state has 2 representatives

Serve 6 year term

Every 2 years 1/3 of Senate is reelected

Requirements: 30 years old

U.S. citizen for 9 years

Live in the state you want to represent

Article 1 Section 4-5

Congress must meet once a year Must have a minimum number of members present to hold meeting

Set rules for the meeting

Keep records of meetings

Rules for how to end the meeting

Article 1 Section 6

Says how members of Congress are to be paid

No Senator or Representative can be arrested during meetings

Can not be punished for what is said during the debates

Cannot hold any other government office

Article 1 Section 7-10

How new laws are passed

A bill can be introduced in either the House or the Senate Bills to raise Money can only be introduced in the House of Representatives

Bills must be approved by the President President may veto the bill

Bill can still become law with 2/3 vote from both houses

Checks and Balances: the balance of power between all branches of Government

Article 1 Section 8

Specific powers of the Congress Enumerated powers: powers specifically granted in the Constitution

Power to tax, to borrow money, to set up courts

Article 1 Section 8 Clause 11-16

Congress has control over Military

District of Columbia

Article 1 Section 8 Clause 18

Power to do what is necessary to carry out the other powers

Elastic Clause: allows Congress the power to pass laws necessary to carry out its enumerated powers

Implied powers: powers not specifically stated in the Constitution

Article 1 Section 9-10

Section 9: States what powers Congress does not have Can not take away citizens rights to a fair trial

Section 10: states that what powers the states do not have Cannot have powers given to the Congress in section 8

Making treaties or tax on import or exports