The Constitution of the US with Explanatory Notes

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES

ANNOTATED

The following text of the United States Constitution, reflecting the original spelling and usage,
is printed in large type. Brackets [ ] indicate parts that have been changed or set aside by
amendments. Additional paragraphs, headed “Commentary,” are printed in smaller type,
as shown here, and are not part of the Constitution. They explain the meaning of certain
passages, or they describe how certain passages have worked in practice.

Preamble

We the People of the United States, in Order

to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for

the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to
ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States

of America.

Article I

Section 1

THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United

States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.

COMMENTARY:
The first three articles of the Constitution divide the powers of the United States government
among three separate branches: (1) the legislative branch, represented by Congress; (2) the
executive branch, represented by the President; and (3) the judicial branch, represented by
the Supreme Court. This constitutional division, called the separation of powers, is designed
to prevent any branch of the government from becoming too powerful. In addition, the
Constitution creates checks and balances by providing the means by which each branch is
required to work with the other branches in order to carry out its functions. For example, the
President nominates federal judges but the Senate must confirm them.