Beyond the Articles
By: Kennedy Sweeney
Large Elephants Jump Slowly And Sink Rapidly
Legislative, Executive, Judicial, State Rights, Amendment Process, Supremacy of the Constitution, and Ratification
Legislative
In article I, the legislative branch makes the laws. This is between the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Congress takes places as a legislative body that has the power to write and pass laws. The Congress can makes laws about collecting taxes, borrowed money or paying debt, rules about becoming a citizen, trade with other nations, coin money, post office establishment, new inventions, lower federal court, punish pirates, declare war, or laws that are necessary and proper. They aren't allowed to make any other laws beside these.
Executive
In article II, the executive branch includes the president and all his advisers. This branch enforces the laws. The president is at the top of this branch, also includes vice president. This article explains the electoral college, who can be president, rules of being president and the power of the office. Some of the Presidents duties are commander-in-chief of armed forces, maintain cabinet advisers, negotiate treaties, plus many more.
Judicial
In article III, the Judicial branch includes the Supreme Court, basically judges. The supreme court interpret the laws and decide what each law means and if it is being obeyed. The article created Supreme Court and makes the Congress create more federal courts that are dealing with U.S. laws. Judges are appointed for life unless they do something bad, then will face charges and tried by their peers.
State Rights
In article IV, it is all about the states. In this article is shows the relationship between the states and the federal government. It also shows how every state gets along with other states and how they interact. In each state it is guarantees a republican government because the federal government gives it to them. This stops people from domestic violence. It also states that all states are equal to each other.
Amendment Process
In article V, it states that the Constitution can be changed if necessary. The Congress and the states have the power to change the amendment process. At least two-thirds of the states legislatures have to propose the change for the amendment. This is called a convention and the national convention is when the amendment is proposed. When ratified there has to be at least three-fourths of the states. Then the new amendment is added to the Constitution.
Supremacy of the Constitution
In article VI, it determines the U.S. Constitution and all laws are made from the ¨supreme law of land¨ Every member has to swear to oath to the Constitution. Federals and state officers have to obey the Constitution. No public official has to practice or pledge to any religion. When the state has a conflict against the federal law, they have to prevail. This is Clause 2 and its the supremacy clause.
Raitification
In article VII, nine out the thirteen states have to approve or pass the amendment. They must ratify the constitution between the states for it all to be the same. The article explains how the states ratify the states. The text is ¨The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same.¨