Article I · Section 4 of 10
Elections and meetings
Article I: Congress
The one-line version
States run congressional elections, but Congress can change the rules. Congress meets every year.
Section 4 in plain English
Each state legislature sets the times, places, and methods for electing members of Congress. Congress can pass laws that change these rules, except where senators are chosen.
Congress must meet at least once a year.
Note: The original text set the meeting for the first Monday in December. The Twentieth Amendment (1933) moved it to noon on January 3.
Original text, 1788
The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.
The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day.