U.S. Constitution the United States Term Paper

Article III describes the judicial branch of government, including the Supreme Court. It establishes that there is one court, the Supreme Court, however Congress may create lower courts, although judgements and orders may be reviewed by the Supreme Court. The trials of all crimes, except those involving impeachment, shall be by jury and held in the state where the crimes were committed, but if not committed within a state, the Congress will decide where the trial will take place. The judicial power extends to all cases arising under the Constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties made, or which may be made, under their authority. No one can be convicted of treason without the testimony of two witnesses to the same act, or on confession in open court. The Congress has the power to decide the punishment of treason.

Article IV establishes the relationship among the states, and between the states and the federal government. It requires that full faith and credit be given in each state to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states, and that citizens of each state are entitled to all the privileges and immunities of citizens in other states. Persons charged with treason or other crimes in one state and who flee to another state can be extradited to the state of the crime. Each state is guaranteed a republican form of government, and protection against invasion. The Congress has the power to admit new states to the Union, and has power to dispose of and make necessary rules and regulations for territories or other property belonging to the United States.

Article V provides two ways to propose amendments to the Constitution, either by two thirds of both houses of the Congress or by the application of two thirds of state legislatures to the Congress to hold national convention. Once proposed, three fourths of the states must ratify the amendment for it to become law. The Congress may require ratification by state legislatures or by state conventions. No amendment may deprive a state, without its consent, of its equal representation in the Senate.

Article VI establishes the Constitution and all treaties and laws thereof to be the supreme law of the land, to which judges in every state are bound to uphold. All national debts are validated, as under the Confederation. All Senators, Representatives, members of state legislatures, and executive and judicial officers are bound by oath to support the Constitution, however no religious test can be required as qualification to any office.

Article VII required nine states to ratify the Constitution by establishing conventions for the specific purpose.

Bibliography

United States Constitution." Cornell Law School. Retrieved May 22, 2006 at http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.table.html#articlei