constitution

[Note:ngerrorshavebeencorrectedinthis

ncorrected,annotatedversionoftheConstitution,visit

/]

WethePeopleoftheUnitedStates,inOrdertoformamoreperfectUnion,establishJustice,

insuredomesticTranquility,provideforthecommondefence,promotethegeneralWelfare,and

curetheBlessingsofLibertytoourlvesandourPosterity,doordainandestablishthis

ConstitutionfortheUnitedStatesofAmerica.

Article1.

Section1

AlllegislativePowershereingrantedshallbevestedinaCongressoftheUnitedStates,which

shallconsistofaSenateandHouofReprentatives.

Section2

TheHouofReprentativesshallbecompodofMemberschoneverycondYearbythe

PeopleoftheveralStates,andtheElectorsineachStateshallhavetheQualificationsrequisite

forElectorsofthemostnumerousBranchoftheStateLegislature.

NoPersonshallbeaReprentativewhoshallnothaveattainedtotheAgeoftwentyfiveYears,

andbeenvenYearsaCitizenoftheUnitedStates,andwhoshallnot,whenelected,bean

InhabitantofthatStateinwhichheshallbechon.

ReprentativesanddirectTaxesshallbeapportionedamongtheveralStateswhichmaybe

includedwithinthisUnion,accordingtotheirrespectiveNumbers,whichshallbedeterminedby

addingtothewholeNumberoffreePersons,includingthoboundtoServiceforaTermofYears,

andexcludingIndiansnottaxed,threefifthsofallotherPersons.

TheactualEnumerationshallbemadewithinthreeYearsafterthefirstMeetingoftheCongressof

theUnitedStates,andwithineverysubquentTermoftenYears,insuchMannerastheyshallby

berofReprentativesshallnotexceedoneforeverythirtyThousand,but

eachStateshallhaveatLeastoneReprentative;anduntilsuchenumerationshallbemade,the

StateofNewHampshireshallbeentitledtochoothree,Massachuttight,RhodeIslandand

ProvidencePlantationsone,Connecticutfive,NewYorksix,NewJeryfour,Pennsylvaniaeight,

Delawareone,Marylandsix,Virginiaten,NorthCarolinafive,SouthCarolinafiveandGeorgia

three.

WhenvacancieshappenintheReprentationfromanyState,theExecutiveAuthoritythereof

shallissueWritsofElectiontofillsuchVacancies.

TheHouofReprentativesshallchootheirSpeakerandotherOfficers;andshallhavethe

solePowerofImpeachment.

Section3

TheSenateoftheUnitedStatesshallbecompodoftwoSenatorsfromeachState,chonbythe

Legislaturethereof,forsixYears;andeachSenatorshallhaveoneVote.

ImmediatelyaftertheyshallbeasmbledinConquenceofthefirstElection,theyshallbe

tsoftheSenatorsofthefirstClassshall

bevacatedattheExpirationofthecondYear,ofthecondClassattheExpirationofthefourth

Year,andofthethirdClassattheExpirationofthesixthYear,sothatonethirdmaybechon

everycondYear;andifVacancieshappenbyResignation,orotherwi,duringtheRecessofthe

LegislatureofanyState,theExecutivethereofmaymaketemporaryAppointmentsuntilthenext

MeetingoftheLegislature,whichshallthenfillsuchVacancies.

NopersonshallbeaSenatorwhoshallnothaveattainedtotheAgeofthirtyYears,andbeennine

YearsaCitizenoftheUnitedStates,andwhoshallnot,whenelected,beanInhabitantofthatState

forwhichheshallbechon.

TheVicePresidentoftheUnitedStatesshallbePresidentoftheSenate,butshallhavenoVote,

unlesstheybeequallydivided.

TheSenateshallchootheirotherOfficers,andalsoaPresidentprotempore,intheabnceof

theVicePresident,orwhenheshallexercitheOfficeofPresidentoftheUnitedStates.

ttingforthatPurpo,they

ePresidentoftheUnitedStatesistried,theChiefJustice

shallpreside:AndnoPersonshallbeconvictedwithouttheConcurrenceoftwothirdsofthe

Membersprent.

JudgmentinCasofImpeachmentshallnotextendfurtherthantoremovalfromOffice,and

disqualificationtoholdandenjoyanyOfficeofhonor,TrustorProfitundertheUnitedStates:but

thePartyconvictedshallneverthelessbeliableandsubjecttoIndictment,Trial,Judgmentand

Punishment,accordingtoLaw.

Section4

TheTimes,PlacesandMannerofholdingElectionsforSenatorsandReprentatives,shallbe

prescribedineachStatebytheLegislaturethereof;buttheCongressmayatanytimebyLaw

makeoraltersuchRegulations,exceptastothePlaceofChoosingSenators.

TheCongressshallasmbleatleastonceineveryYear,andsuchMeetingshallbeonthefirst

MondayinDecember,unlesstheyshallbyLawappointadifferentDay.

Section5

EachHoushallbetheJudgeoftheElections,ReturnsandQualificationsofitsownMembers,

andaMajorityofeachshallconstituteaQuorumtodoBusiness;butasmallernumbermay

adjournfromdaytoday,andmaybeauthorizedtocompeltheAttendanceofabntMembers,in

suchManner,andundersuchPenaltiesaachHoumayprovide.

EachHoumaydeterminetheRulesofitsProceedings,punishitsMembersfordisorderly

Behavior,and,withtheConcurrenceoftwo-thirds,expelaMember.

EachHoushallkeepaJournalofitsProceedings,andfromtimetotimepublishthesame,

exceptingsuchPartsasmayintheirJudgmentrequireSecrecy;andtheYeasandNaysofthe

MembersofeitherHouonanyquestionshall,attheDesireofonefifthofthoPrent,be

enteredontheJournal.

NeitherHou,duringtheSessionofCongress,shall,withouttheConntoftheother,adjournfor

morethanthreedays,nortoanyotherPlacethanthatinwhichthetwoHousshallbesitting.

Section6

TheSenatorsandReprentativesshallreceiveaCompensationfortheirServices,tobe

ascertainedbyLaw,allinallCas,

exceptTreason,FelonyandBreachofthePeace,beprivilegedfromArrestduringtheirAttendance

attheSessionoftheirrespectiveHous,andingoingtoandreturningfromthesame;andforany

SpeechorDebateineitherHou,theyshallnotbequestionedinanyotherPlace.

NoSenatororReprentativeshall,duringtheTimeforwhichhewalected,beappointedtoany

civilOfficeundertheAuthorityoftheUnitedStateswhichshallhavebeencreated,orthe

Emolumentswhereofshallhavebeenincreadduringsuchtime;andnoPersonholdingany

OfficeundertheUnitedStates,shallbeaMemberofeitherHouduringhisContinuancein

Office.

Section7

AllbillsforraisingRevenueshalloriginateintheHouofReprentatives;buttheSenatemay

propoorconcurwithAmendmentsasonotherBills.

EveryBillwhichshallhavepasdtheHouofReprentativesandtheSenate,shall,beforeit

becomeaLaw,beprentedtothePresidentoftheUnitedStates;Ifheapproveheshallsignit,

butifnotheshallreturnit,withhisObjectionstothatHouinwhichitshallhaveoriginated,

whoshallentertheObjectionsatlargeontheirJournal,rsuch

ReconsiderationtwothirdsofthatHoushallagreetopasstheBill,itshallbent,togetherwith

theObjections,totheotherHou,bywhichitshalllikewibereconsidered,andifapprovedby

twothirdsofthatHou,llsuchCastheVotesofbothHous

shallbedeterminedbyYeasandNays,andtheNamesofthePersonsvotingforandagainstthe

illshallnotbereturnedby

thePresidentwithintenDays(Sundayxcepted)afteritshallhavebeenprentedtohim,the

SameshallbeaLaw,inlikeMannerasifhehadsignedit,unlesstheCongressbytheir

AdjournmentpreventitsReturn,inwhichCaitshallnotbeaLaw.

EveryOrder,Resolution,orVotetowhichtheConcurrenceoftheSenateandHouof

Reprentativesmaybenecessary(exceptonaquestionofAdjournment)shallbeprentedtothe

PresidentoftheUnitedStates;andbeforetheSameshalltakeEffect,shallbeapprovedbyhim,or

beingdisapprovedbyhim,shallberepasdbytwothirdsoftheSenateandHouof

Reprentatives,accordingtotheRulesandLimitationsprescribedintheCaofaBill.

Section8

TheCongressshallhavePower

TolayandcollectTaxes,Duties,ImpostsandExcis,topaytheDebtsandprovideforthe

commonDefenceandgeneralWelfareoftheUnitedStates;butallDuties,ImpostsandExcis

shallbeuniformthroughouttheUnitedStates;

ToborrowmoneyonthecreditoftheUnitedStates;

ToregulateCommercewithforeignNations,andamongtheveralStates,andwiththeIndian

Tribes;

ToestablishanuniformRuleofNaturalization,anduniformLawsonthesubjectofBankruptcies

throughouttheUnitedStates;

TocoinMoney,regulatetheValuethereof,andofforeignCoin,andfixtheStandardofWeights

andMeasures;

ToprovideforthePunishmentofcounterfeitingtheSecuritiesandcurrentCoinoftheUnited

States;

ToestablishPostOfficesandPostRoads;

TopromotetheProgressofScienceandufulArts,bycuringforlimitedTimestoAuthorsand

InventorstheexclusiveRighttotheirrespectiveWritingsandDiscoveries;

ToconstituteTribunalsinferiortothesupremeCourt;

TodefineandpunishPiraciesandFeloniescommittedonthehighSeas,andOffensagainstthe

LawofNations;

TodeclareWar,grantLettersofMarqueandReprisal,andmakeRulesconcerningCaptureson

LandandWater;

ToraiandsupportArmies,butnoAppropriationofMoneytothatUshallbeforalongerTerm

thantwoYears;

ToprovideandmaintainaNavy;

TomakeRulesfortheGovernmentandRegulationofthelandandnavalForces;

ToprovideforcallingforththeMilitiatoexecutetheLawsoftheUnion,suppressInsurrections

andrepelInvasions;

Toprovidefororganizing,arming,anddisciplining,theMilitia,andforgoverningsuchPartof

themasmaybeemployedintheServiceoftheUnitedStates,rervingtotheStatesrespectively,

theAppointmentoftheOfficers,andtheAuthorityoftrainingtheMilitiaaccordingtothe

disciplineprescribedbyCongress;

ToexerciexclusiveLegislationinallCaswhatsoever,oversuchDistrict(notexceedingten

Milessquare)asmay,byCessionofparticularStates,andtheacceptanceofCongress,becomethe

SeatoftheGovernmentoftheUnitedStates,andtoexercilikeAuthorityoverallPlaces

purchadbytheConntoftheLegislatureoftheStateinwhichtheSameshallbe,forthe

ErectionofForts,Magazines,Arnals,dock-Yards,andotherneedfulBuildings;And

TomakeallLawswhichshallbenecessaryandproperforcarryingintoExecutiontheforegoing

Powers,andallotherPowersvestedbythisConstitutionintheGovernmentoftheUnitedStates,

orinanyDepartmentorOfficerthereof.

Section9

TheMigrationorImportationofsuchPersonsasanyoftheStatesnowexistingshallthinkproper

toadmit,shallnotbeprohibitedbytheCongresspriortotheYearonethousandeighthundredand

eight,butataxordutymaybeimpodonsuchImportation,notexceedingtendollarsforeach

Person.

TheprivilegeoftheWritofHabeasCorpusshallnotbesuspended,unlesswheninCasof

RebellionorInvasionthepublicSafetymayrequireit.

NoBillofAttainderorexpostfactoLawshallbepasd.

Nocapitation,orotherdirect,Taxshallbelaid,unlessinProportiontotheCensusorEnumeration

hereinbeforedirectedtobetaken.

NoTaxorDutyshallbelaidonArticlexportedfromanyState.

NoPreferenceshallbegivenbyanyRegulationofCommerceorRevenuetothePortsofoneState

overthoofanother:norshallVeslsboundto,orfrom,oneState,beobligedtoenter,clear,or

payDutiesinanother.

NoMoneyshallbedrawnfromtheTreasury,butinConquenceofAppropriationsmadebyLaw;

andaregularStatementandAccountoftheReceiptsandExpendituresofallpublicMoneyshall

bepublishedfromtimetotime.

NoTitleofNobilityshallbegrantedbytheUnitedStates:AndnoPersonholdinganyOfficeof

ProfitorTrustunderthem,shall,withouttheConntoftheCongress,acceptofanyprent,

Emolument,Office,orTitle,ofanykindwhatever,fromanyKing,PrinceorforeignState.

Section10

NoStateshallenterintoanyTreaty,Alliance,orConfederation;grantLettersofMarqueand

Reprisal;coinMoney;emitBillsofCredit;makeanyThingbutgoldandsilverCoinaTenderin

PaymentofDebts;passanyBillofAttainder,expostfactoLaw,orLawimpairingtheObligation

ofContracts,orgrantanyTitleofNobility.

NoStateshall,withouttheConntoftheCongress,layanyImpostsorDutiesonImportsor

Exports,exceptwhatmaybeabsolutelynecessaryforexecutingitsinspectionLaws:andthenet

ProduceofallDutiesandImposts,laidbyanyStateonImportsorExports,shallbefortheUof

theTreasuryoftheUnitedStates;andallsuchLawsshallbesubjecttotheRevisionandControl

oftheCongress.

NoStateshall,withouttheConntofCongress,layanydutyofTonnage,keepTroops,orShips

ofWarintimeofPeace,enterintoanyAgreementorCompactwithanotherState,orwitha

foreignPower,orengageinWar,unlessactuallyinvaded,orinsuchimminentDangeraswillnot

admitofdelay.

Article2.

Section1

Theexlhold

hisOfficeduringtheTermoffourYears,and,togetherwiththeVice-Presidentchonforthe

sameTerm,beelected,asfollows:

EachStateshallappoint,insuchMannerastheLegislaturethereofmaydirect,aNumberof

Electors,equaltothewholeNumberofSenatorsandReprentativestowhichtheStatemaybe

entitledintheCongress:butnoSenatororReprentative,orPersonholdinganOfficeofTrustor

ProfitundertheUnitedStates,shallbeappointedanElector.

TheElectorsshallmeetintheirrespectiveStates,andvotebyBallotfortwopersons,ofwhom

yshallmakea

ListofallthePersonsvotedfor,andoftheNumberofVotesforeach;whichListtheyshallsign

andcertify,andtransmitaledtotheSeatoftheGovernmentoftheUnitedStates,directedtothe

sidentoftheSenateshall,inthePrenceoftheSenateandHou

ofReprentatives,openalltheCertificates,son

havingthegreatestNumberofVotesshallbethePresident,ifsuchNumberbeaMajorityofthe

wholeNumberofElectorsappointed;andiftherebemorethanonewhohavesuchMajority,and

haveanequalNumberofVotes,thentheHouofReprentativesshallimmediatelychooby

BallotoneofthemforPresident;andifnoPersonhaveaMajority,thenfromthefivehigheston

hoosingthePresident,

theVotesshallbetakenbyStates,theReprentationfromeachStatehavingoneVote;aquorum

forthisPurposhallconsistofaMemberorMembersfromtwo-thirdsoftheStates,anda

yCa,aftertheChoiceofthe

President,thePersonhavingthegreatestNumberofVotesoftheElectorsshallbetheVice

hereshouldremaintwoormorewhohaveequalVotes,theSenateshallchoo

fromthembyBallottheVice-President.

TheCongressmaydeterminetheTimeofchoosingtheElectors,andtheDayonwhichtheyshall

givetheirVotes;whichDayshallbethesamethroughouttheUnitedStates.

NopersonexceptanaturalbornCitizen,oraCitizenoftheUnitedStates,atthetimeofthe

AdoptionofthisConstitution,shallbeeligibletotheOfficeofPresident;neithershallanyPerson

beeligibletothatOfficewhoshallnothaveattainedtotheAgeofthirty-fiveYears,andbeen

fourteenYearsaResidentwithintheUnitedStates.

InCaoftheRemovalofthePresidentfromOffice,orofhisDeath,Resignation,orInabilityto

dischargethePowersandDutiesofthesaidOffice,thesameshalldevolveontheVicePresident,

andtheCongressmaybyLawprovidefortheCaofRemoval,Death,ResignationorInability,

bothofthePresidentandVicePresident,declaringwhatOfficershallthenactasPresident,and

suchOfficershallactaccordingly,untiltheDisabilityberemoved,oraPresidentshallbeelected.

ThePresidentshall,atstatedTimes,receiveforhisServices,aCompensation,whichshallneither

beincreadnordiminishedduringthePeriodforwhichheshallhavebeenelected,andheshall

notreceivewithinthatPeriodanyotherEmolumentfromtheUnitedStates,oranyofthem.

BeforeheenterontheExecutionofhisOffice,heshalltakethefollowingOathorAffirmation:

"Idosolemnlyswear(oraffirm)thatIwillfaithfullyexecutetheOfficeofPresidentoftheUnited

States,andwilltothebestofmyAbility,prerve,protectanddefendtheConstitutionofthe

UnitedStates."

Section2

ThePresidentshallbeCommanderinChiefoftheArmyandNavyoftheUnitedStates,andofthe

MilitiaoftheveralStates,whencalledintotheactualServiceoftheUnitedStates;hemay

requiretheOpinion,inwriting,oftheprincipalOfficerineachoftheexecutiveDepartments,

uponanysubjectrelatingtotheDutiesoftheirrespectiveOffices,andheshallhavePowerto

GrantReprievesandPardonsforOffensagainsttheUnitedStates,exceptinCasof

Impeachment.

HeshallhavePower,byandwiththeAdviceandConntoftheSenate,tomakeTreaties,

providedtwothirdsoftheSenatorsprentconcur;andheshallnominate,andbyandwiththe

AdviceandConntoftheSenate,shallappointAmbassadors,otherpublicMinistersandConsuls,

JudgesofthesupremeCourt,andallotherOfficersoftheUnitedStates,whoAppointmentsare

nothereinotherwiprovidedfor,andwhichshallbeestablishedbyLaw:buttheCongressmay

byLawvesttheAppointmentofsuchinferiorOfficers,astheythinkproper,inthePresidentalone,

intheCourtsofLaw,orintheHeadsofDepartments.

ThePresidentshallhavePowertofillupallVacanciesthatmayhappenduringtheRecessofthe

Senate,bygrantingCommissionswhichshallexpireattheEndoftheirnextSession.

Section3

HeshallfromtimetotimegivetotheCongressInformationoftheStateoftheUnion,and

recommendtotheirConsiderationsuchMeasuresasheshalljudgenecessaryandexpedient;he

may,onextraordinaryOccasions,convenebothHous,oreitherofthem,andinCaof

Disagreementbetweenthem,withRespecttotheTimeofAdjournment,hemayadjournthemto

suchTimeasheshallthinkproper;heshallreceiveAmbassadorsandotherpublicMinisters;he

shalltakeCarethattheLawsbefaithfullyexecuted,andshallCommissionalltheOfficersofthe

UnitedStates.

Section4

ThePresident,VicePresidentandallcivilOfficersoftheUnitedStates,shallberemovedfrom

OfficeonImpeachmentfor,andConvictionof,Treason,Bribery,orotherhighCrimesand

Misdemeanors.

Article3.

Section1

ThejudicialPoweroftheUnitedStates,shallbevestedinonesupremeCourt,andinsuchinferior

ges,bothofthe

supremeandinferiorCourts,shallholdtheirOfficesduringgoodBehavior,andshall,atstated

Times,receivefortheirServicesaCompensationwhichshallnotbediminishedduringtheir

ContinuanceinOffice.

Section2

ThejudicialPowershallextendtoallCas,inLawandEquity,arisingunderthisConstitution,

theLawsoftheUnitedStates,andTreatiesmade,orwhichshallbemade,undertheirAuthority;

toallCasaffectingAmbassadors,otherpublicMinistersandConsuls;toallCasofadmiralty

andmaritimeJurisdiction;toControversiestowhichtheUnitedStatesshallbeaParty;to

ControversiesbetweentwoormoreStates;betweenaStateandCitizensofanotherState;between

CitizensofdifferentStates;betweenCitizensofthesameStateclaimingLandsunderGrantsof

differentStates,andbetweenaState,ortheCitizensthereof,andforeignStates,Citizensor

Subjects.

InallCasaffectingAmbassadors,otherpublicMinistersandConsuls,andthoinwhichaState

shallbeParty,heotherCasbefore

mentioned,thesupremeCourtshallhaveappellateJurisdiction,bothastoLawandFact,with

suchExceptions,andundersuchRegulationsastheCongressshallmake.

TheTrialofallCrimes,exceptinCasofImpeachment,shallbebyJury;andsuchTrialshallbe

heldintheStatewherethesaidCrimesshallhavebeencommitted;butwhennotcommitted

withinanyState,theTrialshallbeatsuchPlaceorPlacesastheCongressmaybyLawhave

directed.

Section3

TreasonagainsttheUnitedStates,shallconsistonlyinlevyingWaragainstthem,orinadheringto

theirEnemies,onshallbeconvictedofTreasonunlesson

theTestimonyoftwoWitnesstothesameovertAct,oronConfessioninopenCourt.

TheCongressshallhavepowertodeclarethePunishmentofTreason,butnoAttainderofTreason

shallworkCorruptionofBlood,orForfeitureexceptduringtheLifeofthePersonattainted.

Article4.

Section1

FullFaithandCreditshallbegivenineachStatetothepublicActs,Records,andjudicial

CongressmaybygeneralLawsprescribetheMannerin

whichsuchActs,RecordsandProceedingsshallbeproved,andtheEffectthereof.

Section2

TheCitizensofeachStateshallbeentitledtoallPrivilegesandImmunitiesofCitizensinthe

veralStates.

APersonchargedinanyStatewithTreason,Felony,orotherCrime,whoshallfleefromJustice,

andbefoundinanotherState,shallondemandoftheexecutiveAuthorityoftheStatefromwhich

hefled,bedeliveredup,toberemovedtotheStatehavingJurisdictionoftheCrime.

NoPersonheldtoServiceorLabourinoneState,undertheLawsthereof,escapingintoanother,

shall,inConquenceofanyLaworRegulationtherein,bedischargedfromsuchServiceor

Labour,ButshallbedelivereduponClaimofthePartytowhomsuchServiceorLabourmaybe

due.

Section3

NewStatesmaybeadmittedbytheCongressintothisUnion;butnonewStatesshallbeformedor

erectedwithintheJurisdictionofanyotherState;noranyStatebeformedbytheJunctionoftwo

ormoreStates,orpartsofStates,withouttheConntoftheLegislaturesoftheStatesconcerned

aswellasoftheCongress.

TheCongressshallhavePowertodispoofandmakeallneedfulRulesandRegulations

respectingtheTerritoryorotherPropertybelongingtotheUnitedStates;andnothinginthis

ConstitutionshallbesoconstruedastoPrejudiceanyClaimsoftheUnitedStates,orofany

particularState.

Section4

TheUnitedStatesshallguaranteetoeveryStateinthisUnionaRepublicanFormofGovernment,

andshallprotecteachofthemagainstInvasion;andonApplicationoftheLegislature,orofthe

Executive(whentheLegislaturecannotbeconvened)againstdomesticViolence.

Article5.

TheCongress,whenevertwothirdsofbothHousshalldeemitnecessary,shallpropo

AmendmentstothisConstitution,or,ontheApplicationoftheLegislaturesoftwothirdsofthe

veralStates,shallcallaConventionforproposingAmendments,which,ineitherCa,shallbe

validtoallIntentsandPurpos,aspartofthisConstitution,whenratifiedbytheLegislaturesof

threefourthsoftheveralStates,orbyConventionsinthreefourthsthereof,astheoneorthe

otherModeofRatificationmaybepropodbytheCongress;ProvidedthatnoAmendmentwhich

maybemadepriortotheYearOnethousandeighthundredandeightshallinanyManneraffect

thefirstandfourthClausintheNinthSectionofthefirstArticle;andthatnoState,withoutits

Connt,shallbedeprivedofitqualSuffrageintheSenate.

Article6.

AllDebtscontractedandEngagementnteredinto,beforetheAdoptionofthisConstitution,shall

beasvalidagainsttheUnitedStatesunderthisConstitution,asundertheConfederation.

ThisConstitution,andtheLawsoftheUnitedStateswhichshallbemadeinPursuancethereof;

andallTreatiesmade,orwhichshallbemade,undertheAuthorityoftheUnitedStates,shallbe

thesupremeLawoftheLand;andtheJudgesineveryStateshallbeboundthereby,anyThingin

theConstitutionorLawsofanyStatetotheContrarynotwithstanding.

TheSenatorsandReprentativesbeforementioned,andtheMembersoftheveralState

Legislatures,andallexecutiveandjudicialOfficers,bothoftheUnitedStatesandoftheveral

States,shallbeboundbyOathorAffirmation,tosupportthisConstitution;butnoreligiousTest

shalleverberequiredasaQualificationtoanyOfficeorpublicTrustundertheUnitedStates.

Article7.

TheRatificationoftheConventionsofnineStates,shallbesufficientfortheEstablishmentofthis

ConstitutionbetweentheStatessoratifyingtheSame.

DoneinConventionbytheUnanimousConntoftheStatesprenttheSeventeenthDayof

SeptemberintheYearofourLordonethousandvenhundredandEightyvenandofthe

esswhereofWehavehereunto

subscribedourNames.

GeorgeWashington-PresidentanddeputyfromVirginia

NewHampshire-JohnLangdon,NicholasGilman

Massachutts-NathanielGorham,RufusKing

Connecticut-WilliamSamuelJohnson,RogerSherman

NewYork-AlexanderHamilton

NewJery-WilliamLivingston,DavidBrearley,WilliamPaterson,JonathanDayton

Pennsylvania-BenjaminFranklin,ThomasMifflin,RobertMorris,GeorgeClymer,Thomas

Fitzsimons,JaredIngersoll,JamesWilson,GouvernourMorris

Delaware-GeorgeRead,GunningBedfordJr.,JohnDickinson,RichardBastt,JacobBroom

Maryland-JamesMcHenry,DanielofStThomasJenifer,DanielCarroll

Virginia-JohnBlair,JamesMadisonJr.

NorthCarolina-WilliamBlount,RichardDobbsSpaight,HughWilliamson

SouthCarolina-JohnRutledge,CharlesCotesworthPinckney,CharlesPinckney,PierceButler

Georgia-WilliamFew,AbrahamBaldwin

Attest:WilliamJackson,Secretary

Amendment1

Congressshallmakenolawrespectinganestablishmentofreligion,orprohibitingthefree

exercithereof;orabridgingthefreedomofspeech,orofthepress;ortherightofthepeople

peaceablytoasmble,andtopetitiontheGovernmentforaredressofgrievances.

Amendment2

AwellregulatedMilitia,beingnecessarytothecurityofafreeState,therightofthepeopleto

keepandbearArms,shallnotbeinfringed.

Amendment3

NoSoldiershall,intimeofpeacebequarteredinanyhou,withouttheconntoftheOwner,

norintimeofwar,butinamannertobeprescribedbylaw.

Amendment4

Therightofthepeopletobecureintheirpersons,hous,papers,andeffects,against

unreasonablearchesandizures,shallnotbeviolated,andnoWarrantsshallissue,butupon

probablecau,supportedbyOathoraffirmation,andparticularlydescribingtheplacetobe

arched,andthepersonsorthingstobeized.

Amendment5

Nopersonshallbeheldtoanswerforacapital,orotherwiinfamouscrime,unlessona

prentmentorindictmentofaGrandJury,exceptincasarisinginthelandornavalforces,orin

theMilitia,wheninactualrviceintimeofWarorpublicdanger;norshallanypersonbesubject

forthesameoffentobetwiceputinjeopardyoflifeorlimb;norshallbecompelledinany

criminalcatobeawitnessagainsthimlf,norbedeprivedoflife,liberty,orproperty,without

dueprocessoflaw;norshallprivatepropertybetakenforpublicu,withoutjustcompensation.

Amendment6

Inallcriminalprocutions,theaccudshallenjoytherighttoaspeedyandpublictrial,byan

impartialjuryoftheStateanddistrictwhereinthecrimeshallhavebeencommitted,whichdistrict

shallhavebeenpreviouslyascertainedbylaw,andtobeinformedofthenatureandcauofthe

accusation;tobeconfrontedwiththewitnessagainsthim;tohavecompulsoryprocessfor

obtainingwitnessinhisfavor,andtohavetheAssistanceofCounlforhisdefence.

Amendment7

InSuitsatcommonlaw,wherethevalueincontroversyshallexceedtwentydollars,therightof

trialbyjuryshallbeprerved,andnofacttriedbyajury,shallbeotherwire-examinedinany

CourtoftheUnitedStates,thanaccordingtotherulesofthecommonlaw.

Amendment8

Excessivebailshallnotberequired,norexcessivefinesimpod,norcruelandunusual

punishmentsinflicted.

Amendment9

TheenumerationintheConstitution,ofcertainrights,shallnotbeconstruedtodenyordisparage

othersretainedbythepeople.

Amendment10

ThepowersnotdelegatedtotheUnitedStatesbytheConstitution,norprohibitedbyittothe

States,arerervedtotheStatesrespectively,ortothepeople.

Amendment11

TheJudicialpoweroftheUnitedStatesshallnotbeconstruedtoextendtoanysuitinlawor

equity,commencedorprocutedagainstoneoftheUnitedStatesbyCitizensofanotherState,or

byCitizensorSubjectsofanyForeignState.

Amendment12

TheElectorsshallmeetintheirrespectivestates,andvotebyballotforPresidentand

Vice-President,oneofwhom,atleast,shallnotbeaninhabitantofthesamestatewiththemlves;

theyshallnameintheirballotsthepersonvotedforasPresident,andindistinctballotstheperson

votedforasVice-President,andtheyshallmakedistinctlistsofallpersonsvotedforasPresident,

andofallpersonsvotedforasVice-Presidentandofthenumberofvotesforeach,whichliststhey

shallsignandcertify,andtransmitaledtotheatofthegovernmentoftheUnitedStates,

directedtothePresidentoftheSenate;

ThePresidentoftheSenateshall,intheprenceoftheSenateandHouofReprentatives,

openallthecertificatesandthevotesshallthenbecounted;

ThepersonhavingthegreatestNumberofvotesforPresident,shallbethePresident,ifsuch

numberbeamajorityofthewholenumberofElectorsappointed;andifnopersonhavesuch

majority,thenfromthepersonshavingthehighestnumbersnotexceedingthreeonthelistoftho

votedforasPresident,theHouofReprentativesshallchooimmediately,byballot,the

hoosingthePresident,thevotesshallbetakenbystates,thereprentationfrom

eachstatehavingonevote;aquorumforthispurposhallconsistofamemberormembersfrom

two-thirdsofthestates,he

HouofReprentativesshallnotchooaPresidentwhenevertherightofchoiceshalldevolve

uponthem,beforethefourthdayofMarchnextfollowing,thentheVice-Presidentshallactas

President,asinthecaofthedeathorotherconstitutionaldisabilityofthePresident.

ThepersonhavingthegreatestnumberofvotesasVice-President,shallbetheVice-President,if

suchnumberbeamajorityofthewholenumberofElectorsappointed,andifnopersonhavea

majority,thenfromthetwohighestnumbersonthelist,theSenateshallchootheVice-President;

aquorumforthepurposhallconsistoftwo-thirdsofthewholenumberofSenators,anda

ersonconstitutionally

ineligibletotheofficeofPresidentshallbeeligibletothatofVice-PresidentoftheUnitedStates.

Amendment13

rslaverynorinvoluntaryrvitude,exceptasapunishmentforcrimewhereoftheparty

shallhavebeendulyconvicted,shallexistwithintheUnitedStates,oranyplacesubjecttotheir

jurisdiction.

ssshallhavepowertoenforcethisarticlebyappropriatelegislation.

Amendment14

sonsbornornaturalizedintheUnitedStates,andsubjecttothejurisdictionthereof,are

eshallmakeorenforce

anylawwhichshallabridgetheprivilegesorimmunitiesofcitizensoftheUnitedStates;norshall

anyStatedepriveanypersonoflife,liberty,orproperty,withoutdueprocessoflaw;nordenyto

anypersonwithinitsjurisdictiontheequalprotectionofthelaws.

entativesshallbeapportionedamongtheveralStatesaccordingtotheirrespective

numbers,countingthewholenumberofpersonsineachState,

whentherighttovoteatanyelectionforthechoiceofelectorsforPresidentandVice-Presidentof

theUnitedStates,ReprentativesinCongress,theExecutiveandJudicialofficersofaState,or

themembersoftheLegislaturethereof,isdeniedtoanyofthemaleinhabitantsofsuchState,

beingtwenty-oneyearsofage,andcitizensoftheUnitedStates,orinanywayabridged,except

forparticipationinrebellion,orothercrime,thebasisofreprentationthereinshallbereducedin

theproportionwhichthenumberofsuchmalecitizensshallbeartothewholenumberofmale

citizenstwenty-oneyearsofageinsuchState.

onshallbeaSenatororReprentativeinCongress,orelectorofPresidentand

Vice-President,orholdanyoffice,civilormilitary,undertheUnitedStates,orunderanyState,

who,havingpreviouslytakenanoath,asamemberofCongress,orasanofficeroftheUnited

States,orasamemberofanyStatelegislature,orasanexecutiveorjudicialofficerofanyState,

tosupporttheConstitutionoftheUnitedStates,shallhaveengagedininsurrectionorrebellion

againstthesame,gressmaybyavoteof

two-thirdsofeachHou,removesuchdisability.

idityofthepublicdebtoftheUnitedStates,authorizedbylaw,includingdebtsincurred

forpaymentofpensionsandbountiesforrvicesinsuppressinginsurrectionorrebellion,shall

thertheUnitedStatesnoranyStateshallassumeorpayanydebtor

obligationincurredinaidofinsurrectionorrebellionagainsttheUnitedStates,oranyclaimfor

thelossoremancipationofanyslave;butallsuchdebts,obligationsandclaimsshallbeheld

illegalandvoid.

gressshallhavepowertoenforce,byappropriatelegislation,theprovisionsofthis

article.

Amendment15

htofcitizensoftheUnitedStatestovoteshallnotbedeniedorabridgedbytheUnited

StatesorbyanyStateonaccountofrace,color,orpreviousconditionofrvitude.

gressshallhavepowertoenforcethisarticlebyappropriatelegislation.

Amendment16

TheCongressshallhavepowertolayandcollecttaxesonincomes,fromwhateversourcederived,

withoutapportionmentamongtheveralStates,andwithoutregardtoanycensusor

enumeration.

Amendment17

TheSenateoftheUnitedStatesshallbecompodoftwoSenatorsfromeachState,electedbythe

peoplethereof,forsixyears;ctorsineachStateshall

havethequalificationsrequisiteforelectorsofthemostnumerousbranchoftheStatelegislatures.

WhenvacancieshappeninthereprentationofanyStateintheSenate,theexecutiveauthorityof

suchStateshallissuewritsofelectiontofillsuchvacancies:Provided,Thatthelegislatureofany

Statemayempowertheexecutivethereoftomaketemporaryappointmentsuntilthepeoplefillthe

vacanciesbyelectionasthelegislaturemaydirect.

ThisamendmentshallnotbesoconstruedastoaffecttheelectionortermofanySenatorchon

beforeitbecomesvalidaspartoftheConstitution.

Amendment18

neyearfromtheratificationofthisarticlethemanufacture,sale,ortransportationof

intoxicatingliquorswithin,theimportationthereofinto,ortheexportationthereoffromtheUnited

Statesandallterritorysubjecttothejurisdictionthereofforbeveragepurposishereby

prohibited.

gressandtheveralStatesshallhaveconcurrentpowertoenforcethisarticleby

appropriatelegislation.

ticleshallbeinoperativeunlessitshallhavebeenratifiedasanamendmenttothe

ConstitutionbythelegislaturesoftheveralStates,asprovidedintheConstitution,withinven

yearsfromthedateofthesubmissionhereoftotheStatesbytheCongress.

Amendment19

TherightofcitizensoftheUnitedStatestovoteshallnotbedeniedorabridgedbytheUnited

StatesorbyanyStateonaccountofx.

Congressshallhavepowertoenforcethisarticlebyappropriatelegislation.

Amendment20

msofthePresidentandVicePresidentshallendatnoononthe20thdayofJanuary,and

thetermsofSenatorsandReprentativesatnoononthe3rddayofJanuary,oftheyearsinwhich

suchtermswouldhaveendedifthisarticlehadnotbeenratified;andthetermsoftheirsuccessors

shallthenbegin.

gressshallasmbleatleastonceineveryyear,andsuchmeetingshallbeginatnoon

onthe3rddayofJanuary,unlesstheyshallbylawappointadifferentday.

,atthetimefixedforthebeginningofthetermofthePresident,thePresidentelectshallhave

died,sidentshallnothavebeenchon

beforethetimefixedforthebeginningofhisterm,orifthePresidentelectshallhavefailedto

qualify,thentheVicePresidentelectshallactasPresidentuntilaPresidentshallhavequalified;

andtheCongressmaybylawprovideforthecawhereinneitheraPresidentelectnoraVice

Presidentelectshallhavequalified,declaringwhoshallthenactasPresident,orthemannerin

whichonewhoistoactshallbelected,andsuchpersonshallactaccordinglyuntilaPresident

orVicePresidentshallhavequalified.

gressmaybylawprovideforthecaofthedeathofanyofthepersonsfromwhom

theHouofReprentativesmaychooaPresidentwhenevertherightofchoiceshallhave

devolveduponthem,andforthecaofthedeathofanyofthepersonsfromwhomtheSenate

maychooaVicePresidentwhenevertherightofchoiceshallhavedevolveduponthem.

ns1and2shalltakeeffectonthe15thdayofOctoberfollowingtheratificationofthis

article.

ticleshallbeinoperativeunlessitshallhavebeenratifiedasanamendmenttothe

Constitutionbythelegislaturesofthree-fourthsoftheveralStateswithinvenyearsfromthe

dateofitssubmission.

Amendment21

hteentharticleofamendmenttotheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesisherebyrepealed.

nsportationorimportationintoanyState,Territory,orposssionoftheUnitedStatesfor

deliveryoruthereinofintoxicatingliquors,inviolationofthelawsthereof,ishereby

prohibited.

icleshallbeinoperativeunlessitshallhavebeenratifiedasanamendmenttothe

ConstitutionbyconventionsintheveralStates,asprovidedintheConstitution,withinven

yearsfromthedateofthesubmissionhereoftotheStatesbytheCongress.

Amendment22

onshallbeelectedtotheofficeofthePresidentmorethantwice,andnopersonwhohas

heldtheofficeofPresident,oractedasPresident,formorethantwoyearsofatermtowhich

someotherpersonwalectedPresidentshallbeelectedtotheofficeofthePresidentmorethan

sArticleshallnotapplytoanypersonholdingtheofficeofPresident,whenthis

ArticlewaspropodbytheCongress,andshallnotpreventanypersonwhomaybeholdingthe

officeofPresident,oractingasPresident,duringthetermwithinwhichthisArticlebecomes

operativefromholdingtheofficeofPresidentoractingasPresidentduringtheremainderofsuch

term.

ticleshallbeinoperativeunlessitshallhavebeenratifiedasanamendmenttothe

Constitutionbythelegislaturesofthree-fourthsoftheveralStateswithinvenyearsfromthe

dateofitssubmissiontotheStatesbytheCongress.

Amendment23

trictconstitutingtheatofGovernmentoftheUnitedStatesshallappointinsuch

mannerastheCongressmaydirect:AnumberofelectorsofPresidentandVicePresidentequalto

thewholenumberofSenatorsandReprentativesinCongresstowhichtheDistrictwouldbe

entitledifitwereaState,butinnoeventmorethantheleastpopulousState;theyshallbein

additiontothoappointedbytheStates,buttheyshallbeconsidered,forthepurposofthe

electionofPresidentandVicePresident,tobeelectorsappointedbyaState;andtheyshallmeetin

theDistrictandperformsuchdutiesasprovidedbythetwelftharticleofamendment.

gressshallhavepowertoenforcethisarticlebyappropriatelegislation.

Amendment24

htofcitizensoftheUnitedStatestovoteinanyprimaryorotherelectionforPresident

orVicePresident,forelectorsforPresidentorVicePresident,orforSenatororReprentativein

Congress,shallnotbedeniedorabridgedbytheUnitedStatesoranyStatebyreasonoffailureto

payanypolltaxorothertax.

gressshallhavepowertoenforcethisarticlebyappropriatelegislation.

Amendment25

oftheremovalofthePresidentfromofficeorofhisdeathorresignation,theVice

PresidentshallbecomePresident.

erthereisavacancyintheofficeoftheVicePresident,thePresidentshallnominatea

VicePresidentwhoshalltakeofficeuponconfirmationbyamajorityvoteofbothHousof

Congress.

erthePresidenttransmitstothePresidentprotemporeoftheSenateandtheSpeakerof

theHouofReprentativeshiswrittendeclarationthatheisunabletodischargethepowersand

dutiesofhisoffice,anduntilhetransmitstothemawrittendeclarationtothecontrary,such

powersanddutiesshallbedischargedbytheVicePresidentasActingPresident.

ertheVicePresidentandamajorityofeithertheprincipalofficersoftheexecutive

departmentsorofsuchotherbodyasCongressmaybylawprovide,transmittothePresidentpro

temporeoftheSenateandtheSpeakeroftheHouofReprentativestheirwrittendeclaration

thatthePresidentisunabletodischargethepowersanddutiesofhisoffice,theVicePresident

shallimmediatelyassumethepowersanddutiesoftheofficeasActingPresident.

Thereafter,whenthePresidenttransmitstothePresidentprotemporeoftheSenateandthe

SpeakeroftheHouofReprentativeshiswrittendeclarationthatnoinabilityexists,heshall

resumethepowersanddutiesofhisofficeunlesstheVicePresidentandamajorityofeitherthe

principalofficersoftheexecutivedepartmentorofsuchotherbodyasCongressmaybylaw

provide,transmitwithinfourdaystothePresidentprotemporeoftheSenateandtheSpeakerof

theHouofReprentativestheirwrittendeclarationthatthePresidentisunabletodischargethe

ponCongressshalldecidetheissue,asmblingwithin

ongress,withintwentyonedaysafter

receiptofthelatterwrittendeclaration,or,ifCongressisnotinssion,withintwentyonedays

afterCongressisrequiredtoasmble,determinesbytwothirdsvoteofbothHousthatthe

Presidentisunabletodischargethepowersanddutiesofhisoffice,theVicePresidentshall

continuetodischargethesameasActingPresident;otherwi,thePresidentshallresumethe

powersanddutiesofhisoffice.

Amendment26

htofcitizensoftheUnitedStates,whoareeighteenyearsofageorolder,tovoteshall

notbedeniedorabridgedbytheUnitedStatesorbyanyStateonaccountofage.

gressshallhavepowertoenforcethisarticlebyappropriatelegislation.

Amendment27

Nolaw,varyingthecompensationforthervicesoftheSenatorsandReprentatives,shalltake

effect,untilanelectionofReprentativesshallhaveintervened.