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

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Requirements: Constitutional oath for all federal and state officials
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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

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:

  1. 📜 Exact Constitutional Text — Word-for-word from the Constitution
  2. 💭 Plain English Translation — What it actually means
  3. ⚡ Government Powers Created — What authority is granted
  4. 🚫 Government Restrictions — What limits are imposed
  5. ❌ What It Does NOT Say — Common misconceptions clarified
  6. ⚖️ Supreme Court Interpretations — How courts have applied it
  7. 📝 Constitutional Amendments — How it's been modified
  8. 🎯 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