Article 1 Overview

First Article of the Constitution

Background

The United States Federal Government has as its source of power all vested in the United States Constitution. It is this historical and priceless document that is at the vortex behind the governmental power behind the infrastructure of the United States. The first three Articles of the United States Constitution outline the three branches of government that are to become the architecture for government of the country.

The First Article institutes the Legislative Branch and provides for the specific responsibilities and duties that this branch is entitled to, including exclusive powers resting solely on the Legislature. The First Article of the Constitution also states that a bicameral legislation is to be created, consisting of two chambers, which is to be known as Congress. Congress is divided into two Houses: the Upper House, known as the Senate, and the Lower House, known as the House of Representatives.

The Constitution also provides that the strength of the Federal Government would lie with the Legislature. The Constitution secures this concept by provides that Amendments cannot be made to this Article and are entirely restricted as stated in Article 5.

The First Article of the Constitution is divided into ten sections which set up the regulations and systematic approach for each the Senate and the House of Representatives, Congressional elections, bills, the powers of congress, and limits on the states.

The Senate is the Upper House of the United States Congress. The scope of this chamber's authority and related powers are included under Article I of the United States Constitution. Many of these powers are exclusive to the Senate and are not delegated to the Lower House of Congress, the House of Representatives. Among the several powers granted to the Senate, some include the approval of treaties, the approval of certain types of Federal officers, such as Federal judges, and the ability to try impeached officials by the House.

The Senate is considered to be more of a prestigious position in Congress, which is partly due to its actual size. The Senate is elected by the states, and each State is provided for two seats in the Senate. The two State representatives are not contingent to population numbers of the State in the way the House of Representatives are assigned. Furthermore, Senate members serve a term of six years compared to Representatives' term of only two years. Presiding over the Senate is the ex officio President of the Senate, which is also the Vice President of the United States. Currently holding the position is Joe Biden.

NEXT: Bicameral Legislature