Key Differences Between Articles I, II, and III of the Constitution

The United States Constitution is made up of seven articles. The first three articles explain the structure and powers of the three branches of government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. Each article has its own purpose and responsibilities.

Article I: The Legislative Branch

• Structure: Article I creates a two-part legislature. This includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.

  • House of Representatives: This group has 435 members. They serve for two years. The number of representatives from each state depends on how many people live there. A Census is done every 10 years to find this out.
  • Senate: There are 100 senators, with each state having two. They serve for six years.

• Powers: Article I gives Congress the power to make laws. Some important powers include:

  • Collecting taxes
  • Controlling trade
  • Declaring war
  • Running the armed forces
  • Making laws to use their powers (called the necessary and proper clause).

• Key Point: The House can start money bills, while the Senate approves presidential appointments and treaties.

Article II: The Executive Branch

• Structure: Article II places the executive power in the President. The President serves a four-year term and can run for a second term. The Vice President also has an important job.

• Powers: The President has several important powers, such as:

  • Being the leader of the armed forces.
  • Managing foreign affairs and choosing ambassadors.
  • Making sure laws are carried out.
  • Issuing executive orders and rejecting laws.

• Key Point: The House can impeach the President, and the Senate can vote to remove the President from office with a two-thirds majority.

Article III: The Judicial Branch

• Structure: Article III sets up the Supreme Court and lets Congress create smaller courts. Judges serve for life as long as they behave well.

• Powers: The judicial power interprets laws and delivers justice. Key roles include:

  • Settling disputes under federal law.
  • Making sure laws follow the Constitution (this is called judicial review).

• Key Point: The Supreme Court has nine justices who decide cases based on a simple majority vote.

Summary of Differences

1. Purpose:

   • Article I is about making laws.
   • Article II focuses on enforcing laws.
   • Article III is about interpreting laws.

2. Term Length:

   • Representatives serve for 2 years.
   • Senators serve for 6 years.
   • The President serves for 4 years (up to 10 years because of the 22nd Amendment).
   • Justices serve for life or until they retire.

3. Powers:

   • Article I deals with law-making.
   • Article II is about enforcing laws.
   • Article III is about interpreting laws.

Knowing these differences helps us understand how the U.S. government works and ensures that power is balanced among the branches.