This is a live podcast of Article I of the U.S. Constitution establishes the legislative branch of the federal government, defining its structure, powers, and limitations. It lays the foundation for Congress, composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Purpose: Article I sets up the legislative branch, granting it the authority to make laws. It divides Congress into two chambers:
House of Representatives (based on population, elected every 2 years)
Senate (2 per state, elected every 6 years)
Key Sections and Powers:
Section 1: Vests all legislative powers in Congress
Section 2–3: Details qualifications, election procedures, and roles of House and Senate members
Section 4–6: Covers congressional procedures, compensation, and privileges
Section 7: Describes how a bill becomes law, including presidential veto
Section 8: Lists enumerated powers of Congress, such as:
Taxation
Regulation of commerce
Coining money
Declaring war
Maintaining armed forces
Establishing post offices
Section 9: Limits congressional powers (e.g., no ex post facto laws, suspension of habeas corpus only in emergencies)
Section 10: Restricts powers of individual states (e.g., no treaties, no coining money)
Checks and Balances: Article I is designed to prevent abuse of power by clearly defining what Congress can and cannot do, and by requiring cooperation between the House, Senate, and President for legislation to pass.
#USConstitution #Article1 #LegislativeBranch #Congress #ChecksAndBalances #HouseOfRepresentatives #Senate #EnumeratedPowers #FederalLaw #AmericanGovernment
