US Constitution Structure

The Structure of the Constitution

• The Constitution is divided into two parts: the first three articles discuss the powers of the three branches of the national government, while the second half (articles 4-7) discuss the relationship between the national government and the states.

Article 4: Privileges and Immunities of Citizens

• Article 4 affirms that citizens of each state are entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states.
• This article also includes the Fugitive Slave Clause, which states that no person held to labor in one state, escaping into another, shall be discharged from such labor, but shall be delivered up to the party to whom such labor may be due.
• The term "slave" is not used in the original Constitution, as the framers were wary of endorsing slavery.

Article 5: Amending the Constitution

• Article 5 explains how the Constitution can be amended, which requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and the Senate, or a special convention called for by two-thirds of the states.
• The proposed amendment must then be ratified by three-quarters of the states.

Article 6: The Supreme Law of the Land

• Article 6 ensures that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, meaning every state must obey the Constitution and the laws of the federal government.
• The article also requires every official in the national government and in the states to take an oath to support the Constitution.

Article 7: Ratification of the Constitution

• Article 7 explains the process by which the Constitution was ratified, which required approval by nine of the original 13 states.
• The Constitution did not go into effect until it was ratified by nine states, with New Hampshire being the ninth state to ratify on June 21st, 1788.

The Structure of the Constitution

• The Constitution is divided into two parts: the first three articles discuss the powers of the three branches of the national government, while the second half (articles 4-7) discuss the relationship between the national government and the states.

Article 4: Privileges and Immunities of Citizens

• Citizens of each state are entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states.
• The Fugitive Slave Clause states that escaped slaves must be returned to their owners.
• The term "slave" is not used in the original Constitution, as the framers avoided endorsing slavery.

Article 5: Amending the Constitution

• The Constitution can be amended through a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and the Senate, or a special convention called for by two-thirds of the states.
• The proposed amendment must be ratified by three-quarters of the states.

Article 6: The Supreme Law of the Land

• The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, requiring every state to obey the Constitution and federal laws.
• All officials in the national government and states must take an oath to support the Constitution.

Article 7: Ratification of the Constitution

• The Constitution was ratified by requiring approval from nine of the original 13 states.
• The Constitution went into effect on June 21st, 1788, after New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it.

Learn about the structure of the US Constitution, including the division of powers and the relationship between national government and states.