The 7 articles of the Constitution, explained
Seven articles, approved in 1788. They set up the government. Start with the Preamble, the one-sentence mission statement.
Article ICongressCongress makes federal laws. Article I sets up the House and Senate and lists what Congress and the states can and cannot do.Article IIThe PresidentThe President carries out the laws, leads the military, makes treaties and appointments with the Senate, and can be removed by impeachment.Article IIIThe courtsArticle III creates the Supreme Court and other federal courts, gives judges life terms, guarantees jury trials for crimes, and defines treason narrowly.Article IVThe statesStates must respect each other's laws and court rulings, treat visitors fairly, and return people charged with crimes. Congress admits new states.Article VChanging the ConstitutionAn amendment needs two-thirds of Congress, or a convention called by two-thirds of states, to propose it, then three-fourths of states to ratify.Article VIThe supreme lawThe Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law. Officials must swear to support the Constitution, and no religious test is allowed.Article VIIApproving the ConstitutionThe Constitution would take effect once conventions in nine of the thirteen states ratified it.