Angus 1

Bridget Angus
Hist 1700
Feveryear
Articles I, II, and III of the Constitution
When reading the first three articles of Constitution some things have stood
out more than other. The first is how many things the House of Representatives are
responsible for doing and the most sections, the executive branch and judicial
branch had less sections but greater responsibilities. This is done in part because of
the massive undertaking the executive branch is in charge of as for the judicial
branch it has many thing to oversee as well, together all three work in harmony to
keep this nation running smoothly. The articles I, II, and III are outlined as the
following, this information is not all but most of what is covered in the first three
articles of Constitution.
Article I of the Constitution, breaks down congress into Senate and House of
Representatives. It further breaks this article up into ten sections that list all the
rules and regulations they must follow. The House of Representatives is made up of
members chosen every second year by the people of the states they come from as
outlined in section two. As well as gives the number of representatives each state is
allowed. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty
Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such
enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse
three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one,
Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one,
Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia

Angus 2
three (United States Constitution, 1787). At the time in 1787, there were 64 total
representatives. This was done so that the people had adequate representation in
1787; currently there are 435 seats in the House of Representatives. This is also the
first part in our checks and balances as the legislature. In section three of article I
goes over the use of impeachment as the Senate shall have the sole power to try
all impeachments (United States Constitution, 1787). Impeachment can be any
member of congress however in cases where the president is being tried, the Chief
Justice shall preside over the trial. There have been a number of impeachments
through history. Some of the more famous were President Bill Clinton and President
Richard Nixon. The president or Vice President can be removed from office on
impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and
misdemeanors. In section seven it talks about their right to pass or deny any bills
before it becomes law. This is one of the primary job functions of our Senate and
House. Following that section in eight it goes into how the House of Representatives
are to regulate taxes and defines all their responsibilities. Another primary job
function is giving the country a budget through each of the parts of the first article.
Article II this is about the Executive power of the checks and balances system.
Executive power is another name for the President of the United States. The most
important part of this section is how our president is selected. Even though many
think this section does need to be updated, it outlines the Electoral College.
Through this processes of understanding what qualifications the person must have
to be able to elected to the highest position in the nations government. Section two
states that the president will be commander and chief of Army, Navy and Militia of
several states. It also states that When called into the actual Service of the United
States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the

Angus 3
executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective
Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences
against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.(United States
Constitution, 1787) This was most recently done by President Obama when he
pardoned 325 people in two separate but relatively similar actions only a few weeks
apart.
Article III is about the Judicial Powers of the last part of the checks and balance
system. There are only three sections to this article. The first defines the powers as
being the Supreme Court and both judges from the supreme and inferior court shall
hold office. These inferior courts are the federal district courts and the federal
appeals courts. Section two is about the definition of trials and cases that may have
trial by jury. The exception to this rule is for Impeachment Trial shall be held in the
State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed
within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by
Law have directed.(United States Constitution, 1787) Section three says that
congress can have power to declare the punishment of treason. In 1787 treason
against the United States was defined as levying war against us or siding with the
enemies or giving them aid and comfort. Two witnesses must report the same
account of such an act must also occur in order for impeachment to take place.
The articles of the constitution have not been added to or updated since its creation
over two-hundred years ago. These three articles are the foundation that the rest of
the government works from.

Angus 4

Work Cited
The Constitution of the United States: A Transcription | National Archives. (n.d.).
Retrieved October 14, 2016, from https://www.archives.gov/foundingdocs/constitution-transcript
Checks and balances. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from
https://www.britannica.com/topic/checks-and-balances

Angus 5