Article 1 of the United States Constitution establishes the legislative branch of the federal government. It outlines the structure and powers of Congress, which is composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This branch is responsible for making laws and representing the interests of the American people.
In this scavenger hunt, participants are tasked with finding specific information within Article 1. The answer key provides the correct answers and explanations for each question, helping individuals better understand the content and significance of this important document.
One key section within Article 1 is Section 1, which states, “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.” This highlights the fundamental principle that the power to create laws belongs to Congress, as outlined in the Constitution.
Another important aspect covered in Article 1 is the specific powers granted to Congress. These powers, outlined in Section 8, include the authority to levy taxes, regulate commerce, establish a uniform rule of naturalization, coin money, and declare war, among others. These powers are essential for the functioning of the federal government and ensuring the well-being of the nation.
Constitution Scavenger Hunt Answer Key: Article 1
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land, providing the framework for the government and outlining the powers and limitations of its various branches. Article 1 of the Constitution focuses on the legislative branch, which is responsible for making laws. It establishes the structure and powers of Congress, the primary legislative body of the federal government.
Section 1: The first section of Article 1 states that all legislative powers shall be vested in a Congress, which consists of a Senate and a House of Representatives. This section establishes the bicameral nature of Congress, with each chamber having its own unique functions and responsibilities.
Section 2: Section 2 outlines the composition and qualifications of the House of Representatives. It establishes that members of the House are to be elected by the people of each state, with the number of representatives per state determined by their respective populations. This section also establishes the minimum age requirement and the minimum length of citizenship for representatives.
Section 3: Section 3 focuses on the Senate, outlining the composition and qualifications of its members. It states that each state shall have two Senators, regardless of population, and that Senators are to be elected by the people of each state. This section also establishes the minimum age requirement and the minimum length of citizenship for senators.
Section 4: Section 4 provides guidelines for the manner in which elections for senators and representatives are to be conducted. It allows Congress to establish rules and regulations for these elections, but also grants states the power to determine the time, place, and manner of holding them, subject to any regulations imposed by Congress.
Section 5: Section 5 grants each chamber of Congress the authority to determine its own rules and procedures for conducting business. It also establishes that each chamber must keep a Journal of its proceedings and that a majority of its members must be present in order to conduct business and pass legislation.
Section 6: Section 6 establishes certain privileges and limitations for members of Congress. It states that members shall receive compensation for their services and that they shall be immune from arrest or civil lawsuits while attending sessions of Congress, except for treason, felony, or breach of the peace.
Section 7: Section 7 outlines the process for passing legislation in Congress. It states that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House of Representatives, but that the Senate may propose or concur with amendments. It also establishes the process for presidential approval or veto of legislation, and the possibility of Congress overriding a presidential veto.
Section 8: Section 8 enumerates the specific powers granted to Congress. These powers include the authority to collect taxes, regulate commerce, coin money, declare war, raise and support armies, and establish a federal court system. This section also includes the Necessary and Proper Clause, which grants Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its other powers.
Section 9: Section 9 lists certain limitations on the powers of Congress. It prohibits Congress from passing bills of attainder or ex post facto laws, and from imposing direct taxes or declaring certain exports to be taxed. It also prohibits the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, except in cases of rebellion or invasion.
Section 10: Section 10 places limitations on the powers of the states. It prohibits states from entering into treaties, coining money, or engaging in war without the consent of Congress. It also prohibits states from passing laws that impair the obligation of contracts or that grant titles of nobility.
Preamble
The Preamble of the Constitution of the United States is the introductory paragraph that states the purpose of the document and sets the stage for the rest of the Constitution. It begins with the famous phrase, “We the People,” emphasizing the idea that the power and authority of the government come from the citizens.
The Preamble then lists the six primary goals of the Constitution, providing a framework for understanding the intentions of the Founding Fathers. These goals include establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting the general welfare, securing the blessings of liberty, and securing the future for themselves and their posterity.
The Preamble serves as an important reminder of the principles upon which the Constitution is built. It reflects the ideals of a society that values freedom, justice, and the well-being of its citizens. The purpose of the Constitution is to create a government that is accountable to the people and works towards their collective benefit.
In today’s context, the Preamble still holds significant meaning. It continues to guide the interpretation and application of the Constitution, reminding us of the overarching goals that our government should strive to achieve. The Preamble serves as a touchstone for understanding the intentions of the Founding Fathers and provides a foundation for the ongoing development and evolution of our democracy.
Section 1: Legislative Power
The first article of the United States Constitution establishes the legislative branch of the government, also known as the Congress. This section outlines the powers and structure of the legislative branch, which is responsible for making laws and representing the interests of the American people.
Section 1: All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives.
In this section, the Constitution grants all legislative powers to the Congress, which is divided into two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate represents the states equally, with two senators from each state, while the House of Representatives is based on population, with the number of representatives for each state determined by its population.
Section 1: 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.
This section also specifies that members of the House of Representatives are elected by the people of each state every second year, and they must meet the qualifications required for electors of the state legislature. This ensures that the representatives are chosen directly by the people and ensures their accountability to the citizens they represent.
Section 1: 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.
The Constitution also sets specific qualifications for being a representative, including being at least 25 years old, a citizen of the United States for at least 7 years, and a resident of the state from which they are elected. These qualifications ensure that representatives have a certain level of experience and connection to their respective states.
Section 1: The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.
In addition, this section establishes that the Vice President of the United States serves as the President of the Senate, with the ability to vote in the event of a tie. This provision acknowledges the important role of the Vice President in the legislative process and provides for their involvement in the Senate.
Section 2: House of Representatives
In Article 1, Section 2 of the United States Constitution, the House of Representatives is outlined as part of the legislative branch of the government. It states that the House shall be composed of members chosen every second year by the people of each state, and the qualifications, rights, and limitations of the representatives.
The House of Representatives is designed to be the more directly representative body of Congress, with its members elected by the people. The number of representatives from each state is based on the state’s population, with the total number of representatives not exceeding one for every thirty thousand people.
Qualifications for Representatives:
- To be a representative, one must be at least twenty-five years old, a citizen of the United States for at least seven years, and an inhabitant of the state they represent.
- Representatives are responsible for creating legislation, debating issues, and voting on behalf of their constituents.
- They have the power to impeach federal officers, initiate revenue bills, and play a key role in the process of passing laws.
Apportionment and Census:
The Constitution requires an enumeration or census to be conducted every ten years to determine the number of representatives each state will have in the House. This count helps ensure fair representation and prevents any one state from having too much or too little influence in the legislative process. It is also crucial for accurate apportionment of federal funds and resources.
The Speaker of the House:
The House of Representatives is led by the Speaker of the House, who is elected by the members of the House. The Speaker has significant powers, including presiding over debates, influencing the legislative agenda, and representing the House to the President and the Senate. The Speaker plays a crucial role in the functioning of the House and is considered one of the most powerful positions in the U.S. government.
Section 3: Senate
The Senate is one of the two chambers of Congress, along with the House of Representatives. It is described in Article 1, Section 3 of the United States Constitution. The Senate consists of two senators from each state, totaling 100 senators. The Vice President of the United States serves as the President of the Senate, but does not have a vote unless there is a tie.
One of the primary powers of the Senate is its role in the legislative process. The Senate has the authority to propose and pass laws, as well as to approve or reject bills that have been passed by the House of Representatives. In order for a bill to become a law, it must be passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives and then signed by the President.
The Senate also has the power to approve or reject presidential nominations for various positions, such as federal judges and Cabinet members. This is known as the Senate’s “advice and consent” role. Additionally, the Senate has the authority to ratify treaties negotiated by the President with foreign countries. This ensures that any international agreements entered into by the United States have the support of the legislative branch.
The Senate has certain unique characteristics that set it apart from the House of Representatives. For example, senators serve longer terms than representatives, with each senator serving a six-year term. This longer term allows senators to take a broader, more long-term view of issues, compared to the more frequent elections in the House of Representatives.
Furthermore, the Senate has specific procedural rules that differ from those of the House of Representatives. For example, the Senate has a filibuster rule that allows senators to delay or block a vote on a bill by speaking for an extended period of time. This rule can be used to protect minority viewpoints and encourage compromise, but it can also lead to legislative gridlock.
In conclusion, the Senate is an integral part of the legislative process in the United States. Its unique structure and powers allow it to serve as a check on the power of the House of Representatives and the Executive Branch. Through its role in proposing and passing laws, approving nominations, and ratifying treaties, the Senate helps to ensure that the interests of individual states and the nation as a whole are represented in the federal government.
Section 4: Elections and Meetings
In Article 1, Section 4 of the Constitution, the framers outline the importance of elections and meetings in the functioning of the government. This section establishes the power of each state to determine the “times, places, and manner” of holding elections for Senators and Representatives.
Elections:
- The Constitution grants the states the authority to decide when and where elections for members of Congress should take place.
- However, Congress has the power to make or alter state regulations regarding these elections, except for the time and place of choosing Senators.
- This provision was included to ensure that each state has an equal opportunity to select its representatives and senators, while also allowing for federal oversight if necessary.
Meetings:
- The Constitution requires that Congress must meet at least once a year, with this meeting taking place on the first Monday in December, unless they establish a different day by law.
- During these meetings, the President of the Senate, who is usually the Vice President, presides over the session.
- The purpose of these meetings is for Congress to carry out its legislative duties and responsibilities, such as passing laws and oversight of the executive branch.
Overall, Article 1, Section 4 of the Constitution emphasizes the importance of elections and meetings in the democratic process. By granting the states the power to determine election details and establishing regular meetings for Congress, the framers ensured the representation and functioning of the government remained accountable and responsive to the people.