US Constitution
US Constitution
States
                                                                     WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish
                                                                     Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the
                                                                     general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity,
                                                                     do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Article I
                                                                     Section 1. All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the
                                                                     United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.
                                                                     Section 2. The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen
                                                                     every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State
                                                                     shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of
                                                                     the State Legislature.
                                                                         No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of
                                                                     twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who
                                                                     shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.
                                                                         Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States
                                                                     which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers,
                                                                     which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including
                                                                     those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three
                                                                     fifths of all other Persons. The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years
                                                                     after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every
                                                                     subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The
                                                                     Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each
                                                                     State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumerations shall be
                                                                     made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts
                                                                     eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six,
                                                                     New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten,
                                                                     North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three.
                                                                         When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive
                                                                     Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.
                                                                         The House of Representatives shall chuse their speaker and other Officers; and
                                                                     shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.
                                                                     Section 3. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from
                                                                     each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six Years; and each Senator shall
                                                                     have one Vote.
                                                                       Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election,
                                                                     they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the
                                                                                                                                                                          5
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                                                                     6        U.S. GOVERNMENT MANUAL
                                                                     Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of
                                                                     the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the
                                                                     Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year;
                                                                     and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the
                                                                     Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments
                                                                     until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.
                                                                        No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty
                                                                     Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when
                                                                     elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen.
                                                                        The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall
                                                                     have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.
                                                                        The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in
                                                                     the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President
                                                                     of the United States.
                                                                        The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for
                                                                     that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United
                                                                     States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted
                                                                     without the concurrence of two thirds of the Members present. Judgment in Cases
                                                                     of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and
                                                                     disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the
                                                                     United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to
                                                                     Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to law.
                                                                     Section 4. 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.
                                                                     Section 5. Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications
                                                                     of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do
                                                                     business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be
                                                                     authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under
                                                                     such Penalties as each House may provide.
                                                                        Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for
                                                                     disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member.
                                                                        Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish
                                                                     the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the
                                                                     yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire
                                                                     of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal.
                                                                        Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the
                                                                     other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which
                                                                     the two Houses shall be sitting.
                                                                     Section 6. The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their
                                                                     Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.
                                                                     They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be
                                                                     privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective
                                                                     Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate
                                                                     in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.
                                                                        No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be
                                                                     appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall
                                                                     have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during
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                                                                                                                   CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES                      7
                                                                     such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a
                                                                     Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.
                                                                     Section 7. All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of
                                                                     Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on
                                                                     other Bills.
                                                                        Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate,
                                                                     shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States;
                                                                     If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to
                                                                     that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large
                                                                     on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds
                                                                     of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the
                                                                     Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if
                                                                     approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases
                                                                     the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and Nays, and the Names
                                                                     of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each
                                                                     House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days
                                                                     (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a
                                                                     Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment
                                                                     prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law.
                                                                        Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and
                                                                     House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment)
                                                                     shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the Same shall
                                                                     take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be
                                                                     repassed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the
                                                                     Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill.
                                                                     Section 8. The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts
                                                                     and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general
                                                                     Welfare of the United States; but all duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform
                                                                     throughout the United States;
                                                                        To borrow Money on the Credit of the United States;
                                                                        To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and
                                                                     with the Indian Tribes;
                                                                        To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject
                                                                     of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;
                                                                        To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the
                                                                     Standard of Weights and Measures;
                                                                        To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of
                                                                     the United States;
                                                                        To establish Post Offices and post Roads;
                                                                        To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times
                                                                     to Authors and Inventors exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;
                                                                        To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;
                                                                        To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and
                                                                     Offences against the Law of Nations;
                                                                        To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make rules concerning
                                                                     Captures on Land and Water;
                                                                        To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be
                                                                     for a longer Term than two Years;
                                                                        To provide and maintain a Navy;
                                                                        To make rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
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                                                                     8        U.S. GOVERNMENT MANUAL
                                                                        To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress
                                                                     Insurrections and repel Invasions;
                                                                        To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing
                                                                     such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving
                                                                     to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of
                                                                     training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;
                                                                        To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not
                                                                     exceeding ten Miles square), as may, by Cession of particular States, and the
                                                                     Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States,
                                                                     and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the
                                                                     Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be for the Erection of Forts,
                                                                     Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;—And
                                                                        To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution
                                                                     the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the
                                                                     Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.
                                                                     Section 9. The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now
                                                                     existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior
                                                                     to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be
                                                                     imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.
                                                                        The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when
                                                                     in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
                                                                        No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.
                                                                        No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census
                                                                     or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken.
                                                                        No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.
                                                                        No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the
                                                                     Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one
                                                                     State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.
                                                                        No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of
                                                                     Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts
                                                                     and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.
                                                                        No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding
                                                                     any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress,
                                                                     accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any
                                                                     King, Prince, or foreign State.
                                                                     Section 10. No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant
                                                                     Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing
                                                                     but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder,
                                                                     ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title
                                                                     of Nobility.
                                                                        No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on
                                                                     Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it’s
                                                                     inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State
                                                                     on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and
                                                                     all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress.
                                                                        No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep
                                                                     Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with
                                                                     another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded,
                                                                     or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.
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                                                                                                                   CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES                      9
Article II
                                                                     Section 1. The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States
                                                                     of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together
                                                                     with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows
                                                                        Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a
                                                                     Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to
                                                                     which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative,
                                                                     or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be
                                                                     appointed an Elector.
                                                                        The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two
                                                                     Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with
                                                                     themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the
                                                                     Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed
                                                                     to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the
                                                                     Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House
                                                                     of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted.
                                                                     The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if such
                                                                     Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be
                                                                     more than one who have such Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then
                                                                     the House of Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for
                                                                     President: and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List
                                                                     the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. But in chusing the
                                                                     President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from each State
                                                                     having one Vote; A quorum for this Purpose shall consist of a Member or Members
                                                                     from two thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to
                                                                     a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the
                                                                     greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President. But if there
                                                                     should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate shall chuse from them
                                                                     by Ballot the Vice President.
                                                                        The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day on
                                                                     which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the
                                                                     United States.
                                                                        No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the
                                                                     time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President;
                                                                     neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the
                                                                     Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.
                                                                        In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation,
                                                                     or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall
                                                                     devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case
                                                                     of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President,
                                                                     declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act
                                                                     accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.
                                                                        The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation,
                                                                     which shall neither be encreased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall
                                                                     have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument
                                                                     from the United States, or any of them.
                                                                        Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath
                                                                     or Affirmation:—‘‘I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the
                                                                     Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve,
                                                                     protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.’’
                                                                     Section 2. The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the
                                                                     United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual
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                                                                     10        U.S. GOVERNMENT MANUAL
                                                                     Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal
                                                                     Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties
                                                                     of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons
                                                                     for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.
                                                                        He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make
                                                                     Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate,
                                                                     and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors,
                                                                     other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other
                                                                     Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided
                                                                     for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the
                                                                     Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone,
                                                                     in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.
                                                                        The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during
                                                                     the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of
                                                                     their next Session.
                                                                     Section 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State
                                                                     of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall
                                                                     judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both
                                                                     Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect
                                                                     to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think
                                                                     proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care
                                                                     that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the
                                                                     United States.
                                                                     Section 4. The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States,
                                                                     shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason,
                                                                     Bribery, or other High Crimes and Misdemeanors.
Article III
                                                                     Section 1. The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme
                                                                     Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and
                                                                     establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their
                                                                     Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services,
                                                                     a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.
                                                                     Section 2. The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising
                                                                     under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which
                                                                     shall be made, under their Authority;—to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other
                                                                     public Ministers and Consuls;—to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;—
                                                                     to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party;—to Controversies
                                                                     between two or more States; between a State and Citizens of another State;—
                                                                     between Citizens of different States;—between Citizens of the same State claiming
                                                                     Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof,
                                                                     and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects.
                                                                        In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those
                                                                     in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction.
                                                                     In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate
                                                                     Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such
                                                                     Regulations as the Congress shall make.
                                                                        The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and
                                                                     such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been
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                                                                                                                   CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES                     11
                                                                     committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place
                                                                     or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed.
                                                                     Section 3. Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against
                                                                     them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall
                                                                     be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt
                                                                     Act, or on Confession in open Court.
                                                                        The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no
                                                                     Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the
                                                                     Life of the Person attainted.
Article IV
                                                                     Section 1. Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts,
                                                                     Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by
                                                                     general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings
                                                                     shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.
                                                                     Section 2. The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities
                                                                     of Citizens in the several States.
                                                                        A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall
                                                                     flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand of the executive
                                                                     Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the
                                                                     State having Jurisdiction of the Crime.
                                                                        No person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof,
                                                                     escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be
                                                                     discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall be delivered up on Claim of the
                                                                     Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due.
                                                                     Section 3. New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new
                                                                     State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any
                                                                     State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without
                                                                     the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.
                                                                        The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and
                                                                     Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States;
                                                                     and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims
                                                                     of the United States, or of any particular State.
                                                                     Section 4. The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a
                                                                     Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion;
                                                                     and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature
                                                                     cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.
Article V
                                                                     The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall
                                                                     propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures
                                                                     of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing
                                                                     Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as
                                                                     Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the
                                                                     several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other
                                                                     Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no
                                                                     Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and
                                                                     eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of
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                                                                     12        U.S. GOVERNMENT MANUAL
                                                                     the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal
                                                                     Suffrage in the Senate.
Article VI
                                                                     All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this
                                                                     Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as
                                                                     under the Confederation.
                                                                        This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in
                                                                     Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the
                                                                     Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges
                                                                     in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any
                                                                     State to the Contrary notwithstanding.
                                                                        The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the
                                                                     several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United
                                                                     States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support
                                                                     this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to
                                                                     any Office or public Trust under the United States.
                                                                     Article VII
                                                                     The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the
                                                                     Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same.
                                                                                          done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present
                                                                                          the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one
                                                                                          thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence
                                                                                          of the United States of America the Twelfth In witness whereof We
                                                                                          have hereunto subscribed our Names,
                                                                                                                                      Go Washington—Presidt
                                                                                                                                       and deputy from Virginia
                                                                                               New Hampshire       John Langdon
                                                                                                                   Nicholas Gilman
                                                                                                    Massachusetts             Nathaniel Gorham
                                                                                                                              Rufus King
                                                                                                       Connecticut            Wm Saml Johnson
                                                                                                                              Roger Sherman
                                                                                                         New York             Alexander Hamilton
                                                                                                        New Jersey            Wil: Livingston
                                                                                                                              David Brearley.
                                                                                                                              Wm Paterson.
                                                                                                                              Jona: Dayton
                                                                                                   Pennsylvania 1             B Franklin
                                                                                                                              Thomas Mifflin
                                                                                                                              Robt Morris
                                                                                                                              Geo. Clymer
                                                                                                                              Thos FitzSimons
                                                                                                                              Jared Ingersoll
                                                                       1 Spelled   with one ‘‘n’’ on the original document.
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                                                                                                                   CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES                     13
                                                                                                                        James Wilson
                                                                                                                        Gouv Morris
                                                                                                       Delaware         Geo: Read
                                                                                                                        Gunning Bedford jun
                                                                                                                        John Dickinson
                                                                                                                        Richard Bassett
                                                                                                                        Jaco: Broom
Amendments
                                                                     (The first 10 Amendments were ratified December 15, 1791, and form what is known
                                                                     as the Bill of Rights)
Amendment 1
Amendment 2
                                                                     A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of
                                                                     the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
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                                                                     14        U.S. GOVERNMENT MANUAL
Amendment 3
                                                                     No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent
                                                                     of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment 4
                                                                     The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects,
                                                                     against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants
                                                                     shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and
                                                                     particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be
                                                                     seized.
Amendment 5
                                                                     No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless
                                                                     on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land
                                                                     or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public
                                                                     danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in
                                                                     jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness
                                                                     against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of
                                                                     law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment 6
                                                                     In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public
                                                                     trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been
                                                                     committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be
                                                                     informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the
                                                                     witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his
                                                                     favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Amendment 7
                                                                     In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars,
                                                                     the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be
                                                                     otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules
                                                                     of the common law.
Amendment 8
                                                                     Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and
                                                                     unusual punishments inflicted.
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                                                                                                                   CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES                     15
Amendment 9
                                                                     The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny
                                                                     or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment 10
                                                                     The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited
                                                                     by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Amendment 11
Amendment 12
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                                                                     16        U.S. GOVERNMENT MANUAL
Amendment 13
Amendment 14
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                                                                                                                   CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES                     17
Amendment 15
Amendment 16
Amendment 17
Amendment 18
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                                                                     18        U.S. GOVERNMENT MANUAL
Amendment 19
Amendment 20
Amendment 21
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                                                                                                                   CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES                     19
                                                                     Section 3. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an
                                                                     amendment to the Constitution by conventions in the several States, as provided in
                                                                     the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the
                                                                     States by the Congress.
Amendment 22
Amendment 23
Amendment 24
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                                                                     20        U.S. GOVERNMENT MANUAL
Amendment 25
                                                                     Amendment 26
                                                                     (Ratified July 1, 1971)
                                                                     Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age
                                                                     or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State
                                                                     on account of age.
                                                                     Section 2. The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate
                                                                     legislation.
                                                                     Amendment 27
                                                                     (Ratified May 7, 1992)
                                                                     No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and
                                                                     Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have
                                                                     intervened.
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                                                  LEGISLATIVE BRANCH                                                                 EXECUTIVE BRANCH                                                                 JUDICIAL BRANCH
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                                                                                                                                     THE VICE PRESIDENT
                                                   SENATE   HOUSE                                                                                                                                           UNITED STATES COURTS OF APPEALS
                                                                                                                             EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT                                               UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTS
                                            ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL                                                                                                                                              TERRITORIAL COURTS
                                                                                                    WHITE HOUSE OFFICE                       OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET                            UNITED STATES COURT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE
                                          UNITED STATES BOTANIC GARDEN
                                                                                                    OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT             OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY                        UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
                                        GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
                                                                                                    COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS             OFFICE OF POLICY DEVELOPMENT                                 UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE
                                           GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE                                                                                                                                                ARMED FORCES
                                                                                                    COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY         OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY
                                              LIBRARY OF CONGRESS                                                                                                                                               UNITED STATES TAX COURT
                                                                                                    NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL                OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES
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                                          CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE                                                                                                                                UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS
                                                                                                    OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION                 TRADE REPRESENTATIVE                                              ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  UNITED STATES COURTS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 FEDERAL JUDICIAL CENTER
                                                                                                                                                                                                           UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION
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                                                                                                                                                                                           DEPARTMENT OF          DEPARTMENT OF           DEPARTMENT OF
                                  DEPARTMENT OF                      DEPARTMENT OF                 DEPARTMENT OF                      DEPARTMENT OF                 DEPARTMENT OF
                                                                                                                                                                                          HEALTH AND HUMAN          HOMELAND             HOUSING AND URBAN
                                   AGRICULTURE                         COMMERCE                      DEFENSE                            EDUCATION                      ENERGY
                                                                                                                                                                                               SERVICES              SECURITY              DEVELOPMENT
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                                  DEPARTMENT OF                      DEPARTMENT OF                 DEPARTMENT OF                      DEPARTMENT OF                      DEPARTMENT OF                  DEPARTMENT OF                     DEPARTMENT OF
                                   THE INTERIOR                         JUSTICE                       LABOR                              STATE                           TRANSPORTATION                  THE TREASURY                    VETERANS AFFAIRS
                                   AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION                    FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY                           NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION                  PEACE CORPS
                                   BROADCASTING BOARD OF GOVERNORS                   FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY                        NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES    PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION
                                   CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY                       FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION                              NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD                        POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION
                                   COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION              FEDERAL MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION SERVICE               NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD                              NATIONAL RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD
                                   CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION                FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION         NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER CORPORATION (AMTRAK)      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                   CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE    FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM                                   NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION                           SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM
                                   DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD           FEDERAL RETIREMENT THRIFT INVESTMENT BOARD               NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD                  SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
                                   ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY                   FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION                                 NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION                         SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
                                   EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION           GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION                          OCCUPATIONAL
                                                                                                                                                  PA       SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION      TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY
                                   EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES           INTER-AMERICAN FOUNDATION                                OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE       TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
                                   FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION                        MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD                           OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT ETHICS                           UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT UNITED STATES COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS
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                                   FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION             NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION             OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL                             UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
                                   FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION                       NATIONAL CAPITAL PLANNING COMMISSION                     OVERSEAS PRIVATE INVESTMENT CORPORATION               UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
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                                                                             Legislative Branch
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                                                                     LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
                                                                     CONGRESS
                                                                     One Hundred and Eleventh Congress,First Session
                                                                     The Senate
                                                                     The Capitol, Washington, DC 20510
                                                                     Phone, 202–224–3121. Internet, www.senate.gov.
                                                                        The Congress of the United States was created by Article I, section 1, of the
                                                                     Constitution, adopted by the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787,
                                                                     providing that ‘‘All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress
                                                                     of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.’’
                                                                        The first Congress under the Constitution met on March 4, 1789, in the Federal
                                                                     Hall in New York City. The membership then consisted of 20 1 Senators and 59
                                                                     Representatives.
                                                                        1New York ratified the Constitution on July 26,
                                                                     1788, but did not elect its Senators until July 15 and
                                                                     16, 1789. North Carolina did not ratify the
                                                                     Constitution until November 21, 1789; Rhode Island
                                                                     ratified it on May 29, 1790.
                                                                                                                                                                           25
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