The Bill of Rights Institute Constitution

8/8/2019 The Bill of Rights Institute Constitution

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TheBillofRightsInstituEducatingYoungPeopleabouttheConstitut

200NorthGlebeRoad,Suite200,Arlington,Virginia2220

Phone:703

894

1776

www.BillofRightsInstitute.or

Of the

United States


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www.BillofRightsInstitute.org 2

TheBillofRightsInstitEducatingYoungPeopleabouttheConsti

We the people

oftheUnitedStates,inordertoformamore

perfectunion,establishjustice,insure

domestictranquility,provideforthe

commondefense,promotethegeneral

welfare,andsecuretheblessingsofliberty

toourselvesandourposterity,doordain

andestablishthisConstitutionforthe

UnitedStatesofAmerica.

Article1SECTION1.AlllegislativepowershereingrantedshallbevestedinaCongressofthe

UnitedStates,whichshallconsistofa

SenateandHouseofRepresentatives.

SECTION2.TheHouseofRepresentativesshallbecomposedofmemberschosen

everysecondyearbythepeopleofthe

severalstates,andtheelectorsineachstate

shallhavethequalificationsrequisitefor

electorsofthemostnumerousbranchofthe

statelegislature.

NopersonshallbeaRepresentativewho

shallnothaveattainedtotheageoftwentyfiveyears,andbeensevenyearsacitizenof

theUnitedStates,andwhoshallnot,when

elected,beaninhabitantofthatstatein

whichheshallbechosen.

Representativesanddirecttaxesshallbe

apportionedamong

the

several

states

which

maybeincludedwithinthisunion,

accordingtotheirrespectivenumbers,

whichshallbedeterminedbyaddingtothe

wholenumberoffreepersons,including

thoseboundtoserviceforatermofyears,

andexcludingIndiansnottaxed,threefifths

ofallotherPersons.TheactualEnumeration

shallbemadewithinthreeyearsafterthe

firstmeetingoftheCongressoftheUnited

States,andwithineverysubsequenttermof

tenyears,insuchmannerastheyshallby

lawdirect.ThenumberofRepresentatives

shallnotexceedoneforeverythirty

thousand,buteachstateshallhaveatleast

oneRepresentative;anduntilsuch

enumerationshallbemade,thestateof

NewHampshireshallbeentitledtochuse

three,Massachusettseight,RhodeIsland

andProvidencePlantationsone,

Connecticutfive,NewYorksix,NewJersey

four,Pennsylvaniaeight,Delawareone,Marylandsix,Virginiaten,NorthCarolina

five,SouthCarolinafive,andGeorgiathree.

Whenvacancieshappeninthe

Representationfromanystate,theexecutive

authoritythereofshallissuewritsof

electiontofillsuchvacancies.

TheHouseofRepresentativesshallchoose

theirspeaker

and

other

officers;

and

shall

havethesolepowerofimpeachment.


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SECTION3.TheSenateoftheUnitedStatesshallbecomposedoftwoSenators

fromeachstate,chosenbythelegislature

thereof,for

six

years;

and

each

Senator

shall

haveonevote.

Immediatelyaftertheyshallbeassembled

inconsequenceofthefirstelection,they

shallbedividedasequallyasmaybeinto

threeclasses.TheseatsoftheSenatorsofthe

firstclassshallbevacatedattheexpiration

ofthesecondyear,ofthesecondclassatthe

expirationofthefourthyear,andthethird

classattheexpirationofthesixthyear,so

thatonethirdmaybechoseneverysecond

year;andifvacancieshappenby

resignation,orotherwise,duringtherecess

ofthelegislatureofanystate,theexecutive

thereofmaymaketemporaryappointments

untilthenextmeetingofthelegislature,

whichshallthenfillsuchvacancies.

NopersonshallbeaSenatorwhoshallnot

haveattainedtotheageofthirtyyears,and

beennineyearsacitizenoftheUnitedStatesandwhoshallnot,whenelected,be

aninhabitantofthatstateforwhichheshall

bechosen.

TheVicePresidentoftheUnitedStatesshall

bePresidentoftheSenate,butshallhaveno

vote,unlesstheybeequallydivided.

TheSenateshallchoosetheirotherofficers,

and

also

a

President

pro

tempore,

in

the

absenceoftheVicePresident,orwhenhe

shallexercisetheofficeofPresidentofthe

UnitedStates.

TheSenateshallhavethesolepowertotry

allimpeachments.Whensittingforthat

purpose,theyshallbeonoathor

affirmation.When

the

President

of

the

UnitedStatesistried,theChiefJusticeshall

preside:Andnopersonshallbeconvicted

withouttheconcurrenceoftwothirdsofthe

memberspresent.

Judgmentincasesofimpeachmentshallnot

extendfurtherthantoremovalfromoffice,

anddisqualificationtoholdandenjoyany

officeofhonor,trustorprofitunderthe

UnitedStates:butthepartyconvictedshall

neverthelessbeliableandsubjectto

indictment,trial,judgmentand

punishment,accordingtolaw.

SECTION4.Thetimes,placesandmannerofholdingelectionsforSenatorsand

Representatives,shallbeprescribedineach

statebythelegislaturethereof;butthe

Congressmayatanytimebylawmakeoraltersuchregulations,exceptastothe

placesofchoosingSenators.

TheCongressshallassembleatleastoncein

everyyear,andsuchmeetingshallbeonthe

firstMondayinDecember,unlesstheyshall

bylawappointadifferentday.


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SECTION5.EachHouseshallbethejudgeoftheelections,returnsandqualificationsof

itsownmembers,andamajorityofeach

shallconstitute

aquorum

to

do

business;

butasmallernumbermayadjournfrom

daytoday,andmaybeauthorizedto

compeltheattendanceofabsentmembers,

insuchmanner,andundersuchpenalties

aseachHousemayprovide.

EachHousemaydeterminetherulesofits

proceedings,punishitsmembersfor

disorderlybehavior,and,withthe

concurrenceoftwothirds,expelamember.

EachHouseshallkeepajournalofits

proceedings,andfromtimetotimepublish

thesame,exceptingsuchpartsasmayin

theirjudgmentrequiresecrecy;andtheyeas

andnaysofthemembersofeitherHouseon

anyquestionshall,atthedesireofonefifth

ofthosepresent,beenteredonthejournal.

NeitherHouse,duringthesessionof

Congress,shall,withouttheconsentoftheother,adjournformorethanthreedays,nor

toanyotherplacethanthatinwhichthe

twoHousesshallbesitting.

SECTION6.TheSenatorsandRepresentativesshallreceivea

compensationfortheirservices,tobe

ascertained

by

law,

and

paid

out

of

the

treasuryoftheUnitedStates.Theyshallin

allcases,excepttreason,felonyandbreach

ofthepeace,beprivilegedfromarrest

duringtheirattendanceatthesessionof

theirrespectiveHouses,andingoingtoand

returningfromthesame;andforany

speechordebateineitherHouse,theyshall

notbequestionedinanyotherplace.

NoSenatororRepresentativeshall,during

thetimeforwhichhewaselected,be

appointedtoanycivilofficeunderthe

authorityoftheUnitedStates,whichshall

havebeencreated,ortheemoluments

whereofshallhavebeenincreasedduring

suchtime:andnopersonholdinganyoffice

undertheUnitedStates,shallbeamember

ofeitherHouseduringhiscontinuancein

office.

SECTION7.AllbillsforraisingrevenueshalloriginateintheHouseof

Representatives;buttheSenatemay

proposeorconcurwithamendmentsason

otherBills.

Everybillwhichshallhavepassedthe

Houseof

Representatives

and

the

Senate,

shall,beforeitbecomealaw,bepresented

tothePresidentoftheUnitedStates;ifhe

approveheshallsignit,butifnotheshall

returnit,withhisobjectionstothatHouse

inwhichitshallhaveoriginated,whoshall

entertheobjectionsatlargeontheirjournal,

andproceedtoreconsiderit.Ifaftersuch

reconsiderationtwothirdsofthatHouse

shallagreetopassthebill,itshallbesent,

together

with

the

objections,

to

the

other

House,bywhichitshalllikewisebe

reconsidered,andifapprovedbytwothirds

ofthatHouse,itshallbecomealaw.Butin

allsuchcasesthevotesofbothHousesshall

bedeterminedbyyeasandnays,andthe


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namesofthepersonsvotingforandagainst

thebillshallbeenteredonthejournalof

eachHouserespectively.Ifanybillshallnot

bereturned

by

the

President

within

ten

days(Sundaysexcepted)afteritshallhave

beenpresentedtohim,thesameshallbea

law,inlikemannerasifhehadsignedit,

unlesstheCongressbytheiradjournment

preventitsreturn,inwhichcaseitshallnot

bealaw.

Everyorder,resolution,orvotetowhichthe

concurrenceoftheSenateandHouseof

Representativesmaybenecessary(except

onaquestionofadjournment)shallbe

presentedtothePresidentoftheUnited

States;andbeforethesameshalltakeeffect,

shallbeapprovedbyhim,orbeing

disapprovedbyhim,shallberepassedby

twothirdsoftheSenateandHouseof

Representatives,accordingtotherulesand

limitationsprescribedinthecaseofabill.

SECTION8.TheCongressshallhavepowertolayandcollecttaxes,duties,

impostsandexcises,topaythedebtsand

provideforthecommondefenseand

generalwelfareoftheUnitedStates;butall

duties,impostsandexcisesshallbeuniform

throughouttheUnitedStates;

Toborrowmoneyonthecreditofthe

United

States;

Toregulatecommercewithforeignnations,

andamongtheseveralstates,andwiththe

Indiantribes;

Toestablishauniformruleof

naturalization,anduniformlawsonthe

subjectofbankruptciesthroughoutthe

UnitedStates;

Tocoinmoney,regulatethevaluethereof,

andofforeigncoin,andfixthestandardof

weightsandmeasures;

Toprovideforthepunishmentof

counterfeitingthesecuritiesandcurrent

coinoftheUnitedStates;

Toestablishpostofficesandpostroads;

Topromotetheprogressofscienceand

usefularts,bysecuringforlimitedtimesto

authorsandinventorstheexclusiverightto

theirrespectivewritingsanddiscoveries;

Toconstitutetribunalsinferiortothe

SupremeCourt;

Todefineandpunishpiraciesandfelonies

committedon

the

high

seas,

and

offenses

againstthelawofnations;

Todeclarewar,grantlettersofmarqueand

reprisal,andmakerulesconcerning

capturesonlandandwater;

Toraiseandsupportarmies,butno

appropriationofmoneytothatuseshallbe

foralongertermthantwoyears;

Toprovideandmaintainanavy;

Tomakerulesforthegovernmentand

regulationofthelandandnavalforces;


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Toprovideforcallingforththemilitiato

executethelawsoftheunion,suppress

insurrectionsandrepelinvasions;

Toprovidefororganizing,arming,and

disciplining,themilitia,andforgoverning

suchpartofthemasmaybeemployedin

theserviceoftheUnitedStates,reservingto

thestatesrespectively,theappointmentof

theofficers,andtheauthorityoftrainingthe

militiaaccordingtothediscipline

prescribedbyCongress;

Toexerciseexclusivelegislationinallcases

whatsoever,oversuchDistrict(not

exceedingtenmilessquare)asmay,by

cessionofparticularstates,andthe

acceptanceofCongress,becometheseatof

thegovernmentoftheUnitedStates,andto

exerciselikeauthorityoverallplaces

purchasedbytheconsentofthelegislature

ofthestateinwhichthesameshallbe,for

theerectionofforts,magazines,arsenals,

dockyards,andotherneedfulbuildings;

And

Tomakealllawswhichshallbenecessary

andproperforcarryingintoexecutionthe

foregoingpowers,andallotherpowers

vestedbythisConstitutioninthe

governmentoftheUnitedStates,orinany

departmentorofficerthereof.

SECTION9.Themigrationorimportationofsuchpersonsasanyofthestatesnow

existingshallthinkpropertoadmit,shall

notbe

prohibited

by

the

Congress

prior

to

theyearonethousandeighthundredand

eight,butataxordutymaybeimposedon

suchimportation,notexceedingtendollars

foreachperson.

Theprivilegeofthewritofhabeascorpus

shallnotbesuspended,unlesswhenin

casesofrebellionorinvasionthepublic

safetymayrequireit.

NobillofattainderorexpostfactoLaw

shallbepassed.

Nocapitation,orotherdirect,taxshallbe

laid,unlessinproportiontothecensusor

enumerationhereinbeforedirectedtobe

taken.

Notaxordutyshallbelaidonarticles

exportedfromanystate.

Nopreferenceshallbegivenbyany

regulationofcommerceorrevenuetothe

portsofonestateoverthoseofanother:nor

shallvesselsboundto,orfrom,onestate,be

obligedtoenter,clearorpaydutiesin

another.

Nomoneyshallbedrawnfromthe

treasury,butinconsequenceof

appropriationsmadebylaw;andaregular

statementandaccountofreceiptsand

expendituresofallpublicmoneyshallbe

publishedfromtimetotime.


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Notitleofnobilityshallbegrantedbythe

UnitedStates:andnopersonholdingany

officeofprofitortrustunderthem,shall,

withoutthe

consent

of

the

Congress,

accept

ofanypresent,emolument,office,ortitle,of

anykindwhatever,fromanyking,prince,

orforeignstate.

SECTION10.Nostateshallenterintoanytreaty,alliance,orconfederation;grant

lettersofmarqueandreprisal;coinmoney;

emitbillsofcredit;makeanythingbutgold

andsilvercoinatenderinpaymentof

debts;passanybillofattainder,expost

factolaw,orlawimpairingtheobligationof

contracts,orgrantanytitleofnobility.

Nostateshall,withouttheconsentofthe

Congress,layanyimpostsordutieson

importsorexports,exceptwhatmaybe

absolutelynecessaryforexecutingits

inspectionlaws:andthenetproduceofall

dutiesandimposts,laidbyanystateonimportsorexports,shallbefortheuseof

thetreasuryoftheUnitedStates;andall

suchlawsshallbesubjecttotherevision

andcontroloftheCongress.

Nostateshall,withouttheconsentof

Congress,layanydutyoftonnage,keep

troops,orshipsofwarintimeofpeace,

enterintoanyagreementorcompactwith

another

state,

or

with

a

foreign

power,

or

engageinwar,unlessactuallyinvaded,or

insuchimminentdangeraswillnotadmit

ofdelay.

Article11SECTION1.TheexecutivepowershallbevestedinaPresidentoftheUnitedStatesof

America.Heshallholdhisofficeduringthe

termoffouryears,and,togetherwiththe

VicePresident,chosenforthesameterm,be

elected,asfollows:

Eachstateshallappoint,insuchmanneras

theLegislaturethereofmaydirect,a

number

of

electors,

equal

to

the

whole

numberofSenatorsandRepresentativesto

whichtheStatemaybeentitledinthe

Congress:butnoSenatororRepresentative,

orpersonholdinganofficeoftrustorprofit

undertheUnitedStates,shallbeappointed

anelector.

Theelectorsshallmeetintheirrespective

states,andvotebyballotfortwopersons,of

whomoneatleastshallnotbeaninhabitant

ofthesamestatewiththemselves.Andtheyshallmakealistofallthepersonsvotedfor,

andofthenumberofvotesforeach;which

listtheyshallsignandcertify,andtransmit

sealedtotheseatofthegovernmentofthe

UnitedStates,directedtothePresidentof

theSenate.ThePresidentoftheSenate

shall,inthepresenceoftheSenateand

HouseofRepresentatives,openallthe

certificates,andthevotesshallthenbe

counted.The

person

having

the

greatest

numberofvotesshallbethePresident,if

suchnumberbeamajorityofthewhole

numberofelectorsappointed;andifthere

bemorethanonewhohavesuchmajority,

andhaveanequalnumberofvotes,then


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theHouseofRepresentativesshall

immediatelychoosebyballotoneofthem

forPresident;andifnopersonhavea

majority,then

from

the

five

highest

on

the

listthesaidHouseshallinlikemanner

choosethePresident.Butinchoosingthe

President,thevotesshallbetakenbyStates,

therepresentationfromeachstatehaving

onevote;Aquorumforthispurposeshall

consistofamemberormembersfromtwo

thirdsofthestates,andamajorityofallthe

statesshallbenecessarytoachoice.In

everycase,afterthechoiceofthePresident,

thepersonhavingthegreatestnumberof

votesoftheelectorsshallbetheVice

President.Butifthereshouldremaintwoor

morewhohaveequalvotes,theSenateshall

choosefromthembyballottheVice

President.

TheCongressmaydeterminethetimeof

choosingtheelectors,andthedayonwhich

theyshallgivetheirvotes;whichdayshall

bethesamethroughouttheUnitedStates.

Nopersonexceptanaturalborncitizen,ora

citizenoftheUnitedStates,atthetimeof

theadoptionofthisConstitution,shallbe

eligibletotheofficeofPresident;neither

shallanypersonbeeligibletothatoffice

whoshallnothaveattainedtotheageof

thirtyfiveyears,andbeenfourteenYearsa

residentwithintheUnitedStates.

Incase

of

the

removal

of

the

President

from

office,orofhisdeath,resignation,or

inabilitytodischargethepowersandduties

ofthesaidoffice,thesameshalldevolveon

theVicePresident,andtheCongressmay

bylawprovideforthecaseofremoval,

death,resignationorinability,bothofthe

PresidentandVicePresident,declaring

whatofficershallthenactasPresident,and

suchofficer

shall

act

accordingly,

until

the

disabilityberemoved,oraPresidentshall

beelected.

ThePresidentshall,atstatedtimes,receive

forhisservices,acompensation,whichshall

neitherbeincreasednordiminishedduring

theperiodforwhichheshallhavebeen

elected,andheshallnotreceivewithinthat

periodanyotheremolumentfromthe

UnitedStates,oranyofthem.

Beforeheenterontheexecutionofhis

office,heshalltakethefollowingoathor

affirmation:Idosolemnlyswear(or

affirm)thatIwillfaithfullyexecutethe

officeofPresidentoftheUnitedStates,and

willtothebestofmyability,preserve,

protectanddefendtheConstitutionofthe

UnitedStates.

SECTION2.ThePresidentshallbecommanderinchiefoftheArmyandNavy

oftheUnitedStates,andofthemilitiaofthe

severalstates,whencalledintotheactual

serviceoftheUnitedStates;hemayrequire

theopinion,inwriting,oftheprincipal

officerineachoftheexecutivedepartments,

uponanysubjectrelatingtothedutiesof

their

respective

offices,

and

he

shall

have

powertograntreprievesandpardonsfor

offensesagainsttheUnitedStates,exceptin

casesofimpeachment.


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Heshallhavepower,byandwiththe

adviceandconsentoftheSenate,tomake

treaties,providedtwothirdsoftheSenators

presentconcur;

and

he

shall

nominate,

and

byandwiththeadviceandconsentofthe

Senate,shallappointambassadors,other

publicministersandconsuls,judgesofthe

SupremeCourt,andallotherofficersofthe

UnitedStates,whoseappointmentsarenot

hereinotherwiseprovidedfor,andwhich

shallbeestablishedbylaw:butthe

Congressmaybylawvesttheappointment

ofsuchinferiorofficers,astheythink

proper,inthePresidentalone,inthecourts

oflaw,orintheheadsofdepartments.

ThePresidentshallhavepowertofillupall

vacanciesthatmayhappenduringthe

recessoftheSenate,bygranting

commissionswhichshallexpireattheend

oftheirnextsession.

SECTION3.HeshallfromtimetotimegivetotheCongressinformationofthestate

oftheunion,andrecommendtotheir

considerationsuchmeasuresasheshall

judgenecessaryandexpedient;hemay,on

extraordinaryoccasions,conveneboth

Houses,oreitherofthem,andincaseof

disagreementbetweenthem,withrespectto

thetimeofadjournment,hemayadjourn

themtosuchtimeasheshallthinkproper;

heshall

receive

ambassadors

and

other

publicministers;heshalltakecarethatthe

lawsbefaithfullyexecuted,andshall

commissionalltheofficersoftheUnited

States.

SECTION4.ThePresident,VicePresidentandallcivilofficersoftheUnitedStates,

shallberemovedfromofficeon

impeachmentfor,

and

conviction

of,

treason,bribery,orotherhighcrimesand

misdemeanors.

Article111SECTION1.ThejudicialpoweroftheUnitedStates,shallbevestedinone

Supreme

Court,

and

in

such

inferior

courts

astheCongressmayfromtimetotime

ordainandestablish.Thejudges,bothofthe

supremeandinferiorcourts,shallholdtheir

officesduringgoodbehaviour,andshall,at

statedtimes,receivefortheirservices,a

compensation,whichshallnotbe

diminishedduringtheircontinuancein

office.


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Nopersonheldtoserviceorlaborinone

state,underthelawsthereof,escapinginto

another,shall,inconsequenceofanylawor

regulationtherein,

be

discharged

from

such

serviceorlabor,butshallbedeliveredup

onclaimofthepartytowhomsuchservice

orlabormaybedue.

SECTION3.NewstatesmaybeadmittedbytheCongressintothisunion;butnonew

statesshallbeformedorerectedwithinthe

jurisdictionofanyotherstate;noranystate

beformedbythejunctionoftwoormore

states,orpartsofstates,withouttheconsent

ofthelegislaturesofthestatesconcernedas

wellasoftheCongress.

TheCongressshallhavepowertodispose

ofandmakeallneedfulrulesand

regulationsrespectingtheterritoryorother

propertybelongingtotheUnitedStates;

andnothinginthisConstitutionshallbeso

construedastoprejudiceanyclaimsoftheUnitedStates,orofanyparticularstate.

SECTION4.TheUnitedStatesshallguaranteetoeverystateinthisuniona

republicanformofgovernment,andshall

protecteachofthemagainstinvasion;and

onapplicationofthelegislature,orofthe

executive

(when

the

legislature

cannot

be

convened)againstdomesticviolence.

ArticleV

TheCongress,whenevertwothirdsofbothhousesshalldeemitnecessary,shall

proposeamendmentstothisConstitution,

or,ontheapplicationofthelegislaturesof

twothirdsoftheseveralstates,shallcalla

conventionforproposingamendments,

which,ineithercase,shallbevalidtoall

intentsandpurposes,aspartofthis

Constitution,whenratifiedbythe

legislaturesofthreefourthsoftheseveral

states,or

by

conventions

in

three

fourths

thereof,astheoneortheothermodeof

ratificationmaybeproposedbythe

Congress;providedthatnoamendment

whichmaybemadepriortotheyearone

thousandeighthundredandeightshallin

anymanneraffectthefirstandfourth

clausesintheninthsectionofthefirst

article;andthatnostate,withoutits

consent,shallbedeprivedofitsequal

suffrageintheSenate.


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Article V1Alldebtscontractedandengagements

enteredinto,beforetheadoptionofthis

Constitution,shallbeasvalidagainstthe

UnitedStatesunderthisConstitution,as

undertheConfederation.

ThisConstitution,andthelawsofthe

UnitedStateswhichshallbemadein

pursuancethereof;andalltreatiesmade,or

which

shall

be

made,

under

the

authority

of

theUnitedStates,shallbethesupremelaw

oftheland;andthejudgesineverystate

shallbeboundthereby,anythinginthe

ConstitutionorlawsofanyStatetothe

contrarynotwithstanding.

TheSenatorsandRepresentativesbefore

mentioned,andthemembersoftheseveral

statelegislatures,andallexecutiveand

judicialofficers,bothoftheUnitedStates

andoftheseveralstates,shallbeboundbyoathoraffirmation,tosupportthis

Constitution;butnoreligioustestshallever

berequiredasaqualificationtoanyoffice

orpublictrustundertheUnitedStates.

ArticleV11Theratificationoftheconventionsofnine

states,shallbesufficientforthe

establishmentofthisConstitutionbetween

thestatessoratifyingthesame.

Doneinconventionbytheunanimous

consentofthestatespresenttheseventeenth

dayofSeptemberintheyearofourLord

onethousandsevenhundredandeighty

seven

and

of

the

independence

of

the

UnitedStatesofAmericathetwelfth.In

witnesswhereofWehavehereunto

subscribedourNames,

G.WashingtonPresidt.

anddeputyfromVirginia

NEWHAMPSHIREJohnLangdon

NicholasGilman

MASSACHUSETTSNathanielGorham

RufusKing

CONNECTICUTWm:Saml.Johnson

RogerSherman

NEWYORKAlexander

Hamilton


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NEWJERSEYWil:Livingston

DavidBrearly

Wm.Paterson

Jona:Dayton

PENNSYLVANIAB.Franklin

ThomasMifflin

Robt.Morris

Geo.Clymer

Thos.FitzSimons

JaredIngersoll

JamesWilson

GouvMorris

DELAWAREGeo:Read

GunningBedfordjun

JohnDickinson

RichardBassett

Jaco:Broom

MARYLANDJamesMcHenryDanofStThos.Jenifer

DanlCarroll

VIRGINIAJohnBlair

JamesMadisonJr.

NORTHCAROLINAWm.Blount

Richd.Dobbs

Spaight

HuWilliamson

SOUTHCAROLINAJ.Rutledge

CharlesCotesworthPinckney

CharlesPinckney

PierceButler

GEORGIAWilliamFew

AbrBaldwin

TheConventionsofanumberoftheStates

having,atthetimeofadoptingthe

Constitution,expressedadesire,inorderto

preventmisconstructionorabuseofits

powers,thatfurtherdeclaratoryand

restrictiveclausesshouldbeadded,andas

extendingthegroundofpublicconfidence

intheGovernmentwillbestinsurethe

beneficentendsofitsinstitution;

Resolved,bytheSenateandHouseof

RepresentativesoftheUnitedStatesof

America,inCongressassembled,twothirds

ofbothHousesconcurring,thatthefollowingarticlesbeproposedtothe

LegislaturesoftheseveralStates,as

amendmentstotheConstitutionofthe

UnitedStates;alloranyofwhicharticles,

whenratifiedbythreefourthsofthesaid

Legislatures,tobevalidtoallintentsand

purposesaspartofthesaidConstitution,

namely:


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Amendment1Congressshallmakenolawrespectingan

establishmentofreligion,orprohibitingthe

freeexercisethereof;orabridgingthe

freedomofspeech,orofthepress;orthe

rightofthepeoplepeaceablytoassemble,

andtopetitionthegovernmentforaredress

ofgrievances.

Amendment11Awellregulatedmilitia,beingnecessaryto

thesecurityofafreestate,therightofthe

peopletokeepandbeararms,shallnotbe

infringed.

Amendment111Nosoldiershall,intimeofpeacebe

quarteredinanyhouse,withouttheconsent

oftheowner,norintimeofwar,butina

mannertobeprescribedbylaw.

Amendment1VTherightofthepeopletobesecureintheir

persons,houses,papers,andeffects,against

unreasonablesearchesandseizures,shall

notbeviolated,andnowarrantsshallissue,

butuponprobablecause,supportedbyoath

oraffirmation,andparticularlydescribing

theplacetobesearched,andthepersonsor

thingstobeseized.

AmendmentVNopersonshallbeheldtoanswerfora

capital,orotherwiseinfamouscrime,unless

onapresentmentorindictmentofagrand

jury,exceptincasesarisinginthelandor

navalforces,orinthemilitia,whenin

actualserviceintimeofwarorpublic

danger;norshallanypersonbesubjectfor

thesame

offense

to

be

twice

put

in

jeopardy

oflifeorlimb;norshallbecompelledinany

criminalcasetobeawitnessagainst

himself,norbedeprivedoflife,liberty,or

property,withoutdueprocessoflaw;nor

shallprivatepropertybetakenforpublic

use,withoutjustcompensation.


15/24



AmendmentV1Inallcriminalprosecutions,theaccused

shallenjoytherighttoaspeedyandpublic

trial,byanimpartialjuryofthestateand

districtwhereinthecrimeshallhavebeen

committed,whichdistrictshallhavebeen

previouslyascertainedbylaw,andtobe

informedofthenatureandcauseofthe

accusation;tobeconfrontedwiththe

witnessesagainsthim;tohavecompulsory

process

for

obtaining

witnesses

in

his

favor,

andtohavetheassistanceofcounselforhis

defense.

Amendment V11Insuitsatcommonlaw,wherethevaluein

controversyshallexceedtwentydollars,the

rightoftrialbyjuryshallbepreserved,and

nofacttriedbyajury,shallbeotherwise

reexaminedinanycourtoftheUnited

States,thanaccordingtotherulesofthe

commonlaw.

AmendmentV111Excessivebailshallnotberequired,nor

excessivefinesimposed,norcrueland

unusualpunishmentsinflicted.

Amendment1XTheenumerationintheConstitution,of

certainrights,shallnotbeconstruedto

denyordisparageothersretainedbythe

people.

AmendmentXThepowersnotdelegatedtotheUnited

StatesbytheConstitution,norprohibitedbyittothestates,arereservedtothestates

respectively,ortothepeople.

AmendmentX1PassedbyCongressMarch4,1794.RatifiedFebruary7,1795.

ThejudicialpoweroftheUnitedStates

shallnot

be

construed

to

extend

to

any

suitinlaworequity,commencedor

prosecutedagainstoneoftheUnited

Statesbycitizensofanotherstate,orby

citizensorsubjectsofanyforeignstate.


16/24



AmendmentX11PassedbyCongressDecember9,1803.RatifiedJune15,1804.Theelectorsshallmeetintheir

respectivestatesandvotebyballotfor

PresidentandVicePresident,oneof

whom,atleast,shallnotbean

inhabitantofthesamestatewith

themselves;theyshallnameintheir

ballotsthepersonvotedforas

President,andindistinctballotsthe

personvotedforasVicePresident,andtheyshallmakedistinctlistsofall

personsvotedforasPresident,andof

allpersonsvotedforasVicePresident,

andofthenumberofvotesforeach,

whichliststheyshallsignandcertify,

andtransmitsealedtotheseatofthe

governmentoftheUnitedStates,

directedtothePresidentoftheSenate;

ThePresident

of

the

Senate

shall,

in

the

presenceoftheSenateandHouseof

Representatives,openallthecertificates

andthevotesshallthenbecounted;the

personhavingthegreatestnumberof

votesforPresident,shallbethe

President,ifsuchnumberbeamajority

ofthewholenumberofelectors

appointed;andifnopersonhavesuch

majority,thenfromthepersonshaving

thehighestnumbersnotexceedingthree

onthelistofthosevotedforas

President,theHouseofRepresentatives

shallchooseimmediately,byballot,the

President.ButinchoosingthePresident,

thevotesshallbetakenbystates,the

representationfromeachstatehaving

onevote;aquorumforthispurpose

shallconsistofamemberormembersfromtwothirdsofthestates,anda

majorityofallthestatesshallbe

necessarytoachoice.AndiftheHouse

ofRepresentativesshallnotchoosea

Presidentwhenevertherightofchoice

shalldevolveuponthem,beforethe

fourthdayofMarchnextfollowing,

thentheVicePresidentshallactas

President,

as

in

the

case

of

the

death

or

otherconstitutionaldisabilityofthe

President.Thepersonhavingthe

greatestnumberofvotesasVice

President,shallbetheVicePresident,if

suchnumberbeamajorityofthewhole

numberofelectorsappointed,andifno

personhaveamajority,thenfromthe

twohighestnumbersonthelist,the

SenateshallchoosetheVicePresident;a

quorumforthepurposeshallconsistoftwothirdsofthewholenumberof

Senators,andamajorityofthewhole

numbershallbenecessarytoachoice.

Butnopersonconstitutionallyineligible

totheofficeofPresidentshallbeeligible

tothatofVicePresidentoftheUnited

States.


17/24



AmendmentX111PassedbyCongressJanuary31,1865.RatifiedDecember6,1865.Section1.Neitherslaverynorinvoluntaryservitude,exceptasa

punishmentforcrimewhereoftheparty

shallhavebeendulyconvicted,shall

existwithintheUnitedStates,orany

placesubjecttotheirjurisdiction.

Section2.

Congress

shall

have

power

to

enforcethisarticlebyappropriate

legislation.

AmendmentX1VPassedbyCongressJune13,1866.RatifiedJuly9,1868.

Section1.Allpersonsbornornaturalized

in

the

United

States,

and

subjecttothejurisdictionthereof,are

citizensoftheUnitedStatesandofthe

statewhereintheyreside.Nostateshall

makeorenforceanylawwhichshall

abridgetheprivilegesorimmunitiesof

citizensoftheUnitedStates;norshall

anystatedepriveanypersonoflife,

liberty,orproperty,withoutdueprocess

oflaw;nordenytoanypersonwithinits

jurisdictiontheequalprotectionofthe

laws.

Section2.Representativesshallbeapportionedamongtheseveralstates

accordingtotheirrespectivenumbers,

countingthewholenumberofpersonsineachstate,excludingIndiansnot

taxed.Butwhentherighttovoteatany

electionforthechoiceofelectorsfor

PresidentandVicePresidentofthe

UnitedStates,Representativesin

Congress,theexecutiveandjudicial

officersofastate,orthemembersofthe

legislaturethereof,isdeniedtoanyof

the

male

inhabitants

of

such

state,

being

twentyoneyearsofage,andcitizensof

theUnitedStates,orinanyway

abridged,exceptforparticipationin

rebellion,orothercrime,thebasisof

representationthereinshallbereduced

intheproportionwhichthenumberof

suchmalecitizensshallbeartothe

wholenumberofmalecitizenstwenty

oneyearsofageinsuchstate.


18/24



Section3.NopersonshallbeaSenatororRepresentativeinCongress,orelector

ofPresidentandVicePresident,orhold

anyoffice,civilormilitary,undertheUnitedStates,orunderanystate,who,

havingpreviouslytakenanoath,asa

memberofCongress,orasanofficerof

theUnitedStates,orasamemberofany

statelegislature,orasanexecutiveor

judicialofficerofanystate,tosupport

theConstitutionoftheUnitedStates,

shallhaveengagedininsurrectionor

rebellion

against

the

same,

or

given

aid

orcomforttotheenemiesthereof.But

Congressmaybyavoteoftwothirdsof

eachHouse,removesuchdisability.

Section4.ThevalidityofthepublicdebtoftheUnitedStates,authorizedby

law,includingdebtsincurredfor

paymentofpensionsandbountiesfor

servicesinsuppressinginsurrectionor

rebellion,shallnotbequestioned.ButneithertheUnitedStatesnoranystate

shallassumeorpayanydebtor

obligationincurredinaidof

insurrectionorrebellionagainstthe

UnitedStates,oranyclaimfortheloss

oremancipationofanyslave;butall

suchdebts,obligationsandclaimsshall

beheldillegalandvoid.

Section5.TheCongressshallhavepowertoenforce,byappropriate

legislation,theprovisionsofthisarticle.

AmendmentXVPassedbyCongressFebruary26,1869.Ratified

February

3,

1870.

Section1.TherightofcitizensoftheUnitedStatestovoteshallnotbedenied

orabridgedbytheUnitedStatesorby

anystateonaccountofrace,color,or

previousconditionofservitude.

Section2.TheCongressshallhavepowertoenforcethisarticleby

appropriatelegislation.

AmendmentXV1PassedbyCongressJuly2,1909.RatifiedFebruary3,1913.

TheCongressshallhavepowertolay

andcollecttaxesonincomes,from

whateversourcederived,without

apportionmentamongtheseveralstates,andwithoutregardtoanycensusof

enumeration.


19/24



AmendmentXV11PassedbyCongressMay13,1912.RatifiedApril8,1913.TheSenateoftheUnitedStatesshallbe

composedoftwoSenatorsfromeach

state,electedbythepeoplethereof,for

sixyears;andeachSenatorshallhave

onevote.Theelectorsineachstateshall

havethequalificationsrequisitefor

electorsofthemostnumerousbranchof

thestatelegislatures.

Whenvacancieshappeninthe

representationofanystateintheSenate,

theexecutiveauthorityofsuchstate

shallissuewritsofelectiontofillsuch

vacancies:Provided,thatthelegislature

ofanystatemayempowertheexecutive

thereoftomaketemporary

appointmentsuntilthepeoplefillthe

vacancies

by

election

as

the

legislature

maydirect.

Thisamendmentshallnotbeso

construedastoaffecttheelectionor

termofanySenatorchosenbeforeit

becomesvalidaspartofthe

Constitution.

AmendmentXV111PassedbyCongressDecember18,1917.RatifiedJanuary16,1919.Repealedbythe21stAmendment,December5,1933.

Section1.Afteroneyearfromtheratificationofthisarticlethe

manufacture,sale,ortransportationof

intoxicatingliquorswithin,the

importationthereofinto,orthe

exportationthereoffromtheUnited

Statesandallterritorysubjecttothe

jurisdictionthereof

for

beverage

purposesisherebyprohibited.

Section2.TheCongressandtheseveralstatesshallhaveconcurrentpowerto

enforcethisarticlebyappropriate

legislation.

Section3.Thisarticleshallbeinoperativeunlessitshallhavebeen

ratifiedasanamendmenttotheConstitutionbythelegislaturesofthe

severalstates,asprovidedinthe

Constitution,withinsevenyearsfrom

thedateofthesubmissionhereoftothe

statesbytheCongress.


20/24



AmendmentX1XPassedbyCongressJune4,1919.RatifiedAugust18,1920.TherightofcitizensoftheUnitedStates

tovoteshallnotbedeniedorabridged

bytheUnitedStatesorbyanystateon

accountofsex.

Congressshallhavepowertoenforce

thisarticlebyappropriatelegislation.

AmendmentXXPassedbyCongressMarch2,1932.RatifiedJanuary23,1933.

Section1.ThetermsofthePresidentandVicePresidentshallendatnoonon

the20thdayofJanuary,andtheterms

ofSenatorsandRepresentativesatnoon

onthe3rddayofJanuary,oftheyears

inwhichsuchtermswouldhaveended

ifthisarticlehadnotbeenratified;and

thetermsoftheirsuccessorsshallthen

begin.

Section2.TheCongressshallassembleatleastonceineveryyear,andsuch

meetingshallbeginatnoononthe3d

dayofJanuary,unlesstheyshallbylaw

appointadifferentday.

Section3.If,atthetimefixedforthebeginningofthetermofthePresident,

thePresidentelectshallhavedied,the

VicePresidentelectshallbecomePresident.IfaPresidentshallnothave

beenchosenbeforethetimefixedforthe

beginningofhisterm,orifthePresident

electshallhavefailedtoqualify,then

theVicePresidentelectshallactas

PresidentuntilaPresidentshallhave

qualified;andtheCongressmaybylaw

provideforthecasewhereinneithera

President

elect

nor

a

Vice

President

elect

shallhavequalified,declaringwhoshall

thenactasPresident,orthemannerin

whichonewhoistoactshallbe

selected,andsuchpersonshallact

accordinglyuntilaPresidentorVice

Presidentshallhavequalified.

Section4.TheCongressmaybylawprovideforthecaseofthedeathofany

ofthepersonsfromwhomtheHouseofRepresentativesmaychooseaPresident

whenevertherightofchoiceshallhave

devolveduponthem,andforthecaseof

thedeathofanyofthepersonsfrom

whomtheSenatemaychooseaVice

Presidentwhenevertherightofchoice

shallhavedevolveduponthem.

Section5.Sections1and2shalltakeeffectonthe15thdayofOctober

followingtheratificationofthisarticle.


21/24




ratifiedasanamendmenttothe

Constitutionbythelegislaturesofthreefourthsoftheseveralstateswithin

sevenyearsfromthedateofits

submission.

AmendmentXX1PassedbyCongressFebruary20,1933.RatifiedDecember5,1933.

Section1.TheeighteentharticleofamendmenttotheConstitutionofthe

UnitedStatesisherebyrepealed.

Section2.Thetransportationorimportationintoanystate,territory,or

possessionoftheUnitedStatesfor

deliveryorusethereinofintoxicating

liquors,inviolationofthelawsthereof,

isherebyprohibited.



Constitutionbyconventionsinthe

severalstates,asprovidedinthe

Constitution,withinsevenyearsfrom

thedateofthesubmissionhereoftothe

states

by

the

Congress.

AmendmentXX11PassedbyCongressMarch21,1947.RatifiedFebruary27,1951.

Section1.NopersonshallbeelectedtotheofficeofthePresidentmorethan

twice,andnopersonwhohasheldthe

officeofPresident,oractedasPresident,

formorethantwoyearsofatermto

whichsomeotherpersonwaselected

Presidentshallbeelectedtotheofficeof

thePresident

more

than

once.

But

this

articleshallnotapplytoanyperson

holdingtheofficeofPresidentwhenthis

articlewasproposedbytheCongress,

andshallnotpreventanypersonwho

maybeholdingtheofficeofPresident,

oractingasPresident,duringtheterm

withinwhichthisarticlebecomes

operativefromholdingtheofficeof

PresidentoractingasPresidentduring

theremainderofsuchterm.



Constitutionbythelegislaturesofthree

fourthsoftheseveralstateswithin

sevenyearsfromthedateofits

submissiontothestatesbythe

Congress.


22/24



AmendmentXX111PassedbyCongressJune16,1960.RatifiedMarch29,1961.Section1.TheDistrictconstitutingtheseatofgovernmentoftheUnitedStates

shallappointinsuchmannerasthe

Congressmaydirect:

AnumberofelectorsofPresidentand

VicePresidentequaltothewhole

numberofSenatorsandRepresentatives

inCongresstowhichtheDistrictwouldbeentitledifitwereastate,butinno

eventmorethantheleastpopulous

state;theyshallbeinadditiontothose

appointedbythestates,buttheyshall

beconsidered,forthepurposesofthe

electionofPresidentandVicePresident,

tobeelectorsappointedbyastate;and

theyshallmeetintheDistrictand

perform

such

duties

as

provided

by

the

twelftharticleofamendment.



AmendmentXX1VPassedbyCongressAugust27,1962.RatifiedJanuary23,1964.

Section1.TherightofcitizensoftheUnitedStatestovoteinanyprimaryor

otherelectionforPresidentorVice

President,forelectorsforPresidentor

VicePresident,orforSenatoror

RepresentativeinCongress,shallnotbe

deniedorabridgedbytheUnitedStates

orany

state

by

reason

of

failure

to

pay

anypolltaxorothertax.



AmendmentXXVPassedbyCongressJuly6,1965.RatifiedFebruary10,1967.

Section1.IncaseoftheremovalofthePresidentfromofficeorofhisdeathor

resignation,theVicePresidentshall

becomePresident.

Section2.WheneverthereisavacancyintheofficeoftheVicePresident,the

PresidentshallnominateaVice

Presidentwhoshalltakeofficeupon

confirmationbyamajorityvoteofboth

HousesofCongress.


23/24



Section3.WheneverthePresidenttransmitstothePresidentprotempore

oftheSenateandtheSpeakerofthe

HouseofRepresentativeshiswrittendeclarationthatheisunableto

dischargethepowersanddutiesofhis

office,anduntilhetransmitstothema

writtendeclarationtothecontrary,such

powersanddutiesshallbedischarged

bytheVicePresidentasActing

President.

Section4.WhenevertheVicePresidentandamajorityofeithertheprincipal

officersoftheexecutivedepartmentsor

ofsuchotherbodyasCongressmayby

lawprovide,transmittothePresident

protemporeoftheSenateandthe

SpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives

theirwrittendeclarationthatthe

Presidentisunabletodischargethe

powersanddutiesofhisoffice,theVice

Presidentshallimmediatelyassumethepowersanddutiesoftheofficeas

ActingPresident.

Thereafter,whenthePresident

transmitstothePresidentprotempore

oftheSenateandtheSpeakerofthe

HouseofRepresentativeshiswrittendeclarationthatnoinabilityexists,he

shallresumethepowersanddutiesof

hisofficeunlesstheVicePresidentanda

majorityofeithertheprincipalofficers

oftheexecutivedepartmentorofsuch

otherbodyasCongressmaybylaw

provide,transmitwithinfourdaysto

thePresidentprotemporeoftheSenate

and

the

Speaker

of

the

House

of

Representativestheirwritten

declarationthatthePresidentisunable

todischargethepowersanddutiesof

hisoffice.ThereuponCongressshall

decidetheissue,assemblingwithin

fortyeighthoursforthatpurposeifnot

insession.IftheCongress,within

twentyonedaysafterreceiptofthe

latterwrittendeclaration,or,ifCongress

isnotinsession,withintwentyonedaysafterCongressisrequiredto

assemble,determinesbytwothirdsvote

ofbothHousesthatthePresidentis

unabletodischargethepowersand

dutiesofhisoffice,theVicePresident

shallcontinuetodischargethesameas

ActingPresident;otherwise,the

Presidentshallresumethepowersand

dutiesof

his

office.


24/24

TheBillofRightsInstit

EducatingYoungPeopleabouttheConsti

AmendmentXXV1PassedbyCongressMarch23,1971.RatifiedJuly1,1971.Section1.TherightofcitizensoftheUnitedStates,whoare18yearsofageor

older,tovote,shallnotbedeniedor

abridgedbytheUnitedStatesorany

stateonaccountofage.

Section2.TheCongressshallhavethepowertoenforcethisarticleby


AmendmentXXV11OriginallyproposedSept.25,1789.RatifiedMay7,1992.

Nolawvaryingthecompensationfor

theservicesoftheSenatorsand

Representativesshalltakeeffectuntilan

electionofRepresentativesshallhaveintervened.

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