" I again recommend a law prohibiting all corporations from contributing to the campaign expenses of any party. Let individuals contribute as they desire; but let us prohibit in effective fashion all corporations from making contributions for any political purpose, directly or indirectly." - Theodore Roosevelt
These are indeed wise words that we have failed to follow and in recent years we have seen the consequences of corporations essentially buying our political candidates and influencing their actions through the dollar. President Roosevelt saw this coming long before the problems that we now have but his words were not heard with caution, knowledge, and wisdom. Please share your ideas on how you would ensure that corporations large political donations become a thing of the past. A few thoughts:
If we simply banned corporations from making political donations, corporations could still donate secretly through individuals. How could this problem be resolved? What if we created one political donation account that was split equally between all candidates? This would make it impossible for corporations to give donations to any one candidate and would also create more equality in the chance that a political candidate may have in the running regardless of party affiliation or wealth. But would this be fair to the individual who'd like to pick a specific candidate to donate to? It may depend on your view of the electoral system. Giving every candidate an equal chance financially in the running may seem unfair but it may also help us make a more informed decision about which candidate we'd choose to support. And remember, contrary to recent history, money isn't and shouldn't be the only determining factor in the candidacy of an elected official. Your knowledge of the candidate, their actions, their passions, and your vote are much more important. And of course to remove corporate influence political commercials would need to end. Do they really educate us anyway or just mislead us with propaganda and hot button statements? Newspapers, television news, online news, radio, and personal appearances could easily be offered to candidates at no cost and to great benefit for us as citizens seeking to be informed as best as possible about our leaders.
What do you think?
If I Were A Politician...
* I'd raise the minimum wage and disability pay to $15.00 an hour.
This would give people a real living wage and open up options for families so that a parent could stay home with their children and have more time to be involved in their communities. This would also stimulate the economy because people would be able to afford to buy a house, fix up their house, buy a new car, spend more money on recreation and shopping.
* Set up a plan for inflation raises to the minimum wage yearly.
This would ensure that the minimum wage would continue to provide a livable, fair wage that supports our economy.
* Improve the appeal for tourism in our communities.
This would help to stimulate the economy drawing people locally, nationally, and internationally.
* End the occupation of the middle east and set up back up forces in neighboring ally countries.
This would cut down dramatically on the cost of the war to our strained economy and possibly relieve some tension between middle eastern countries and the United States.
* Change the income tax to 10% flat for everyone.
This is a fair amount and an extra 15% or so every month for struggling families is a lot. This would stimulate the economy because more people would have more of their money to spend and the rich might in the end pay more taxes with a lower percentage rate.
* Set up ways for the federal government to raise money for extra expenses instead of raising taxes.
This would put less of a strain on lower income families and would draw people together in an act of patriotism for their country.
* Balance the trade deficit.
Set up a department to be responsible for making our trade as equal as possible; importing only as much as we export. This would create millions of jobs in the United States.
* Balance outsourcing.
Set up a department to manage outsourced jobs and ensure that we aren't outsourcing more jobs than are being outsourced to us....
Have some more ideas? I'd love to hear them, leave a comment!
Ideal Political Priorities
What do you think are the most important things for our presidential candidates and elected officials to focus on currently? Arrange in order of most important to least important and tell us why.A. Military Spending
B. Medicare and Medicaid
C. Job Creation
D. Making College Affordable
E. Improving K-12 Education
F. Improving the Housing Market
G. Improving the Credit System/ Increasing Loans
H. Labeling GMOs (genetically modified organisms)
I. Fair Taxes (poor not paying a higher percentage of tax than rich)
J. Other (anything that you think is important)
17th Amendment Analysis
How do you think the balance of power in our government is affected by taking away the state legislatures right to appoint senators and giving that to the people? (The people now have the power to elect the House of Representatives, Article 1 Section 2, and the Senate, Amendment 17)
AMENDMENT XVII:
The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the state legislatures.
When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such state shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, that the legislature of any state may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.
This amendment shall not be so construed as to the affect of the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the constitution.
AMENDMENT XVII REPLACES ARTICLE I SECTION 3 CLAUSE 1& ALTERS CLAUSE 2 FOR FILLING VACANCIES:
Article I.
Section 3.
Clause 1.
The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.(See Amendments)
Clause 2.
Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first class shall be Vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies. ( See Amendments)
AMENDMENT XVII:
The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the state legislatures.
When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such state shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, that the legislature of any state may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.
This amendment shall not be so construed as to the affect of the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the constitution.
AMENDMENT XVII REPLACES ARTICLE I SECTION 3 CLAUSE 1& ALTERS CLAUSE 2 FOR FILLING VACANCIES:
Article I.
Section 3.
Clause 1.
The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.(See Amendments)
Clause 2.
Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first class shall be Vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies. ( See Amendments)
Facts On Presidential Candidates And Campaigns
Accurate, truthful, factual information can be hard to find especially in politics. The links below are from non-partisan sources seeking to educate today's voters and provide information on the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of ads, debates, speeches, interviews, new releases, and emails:
Issue Positions- Mitt Romney
http://votesmart.org/candidate/political-courage-test/21942/mitt-romney/
Issue Positions- Barack Obama
http://votesmart.org/candidate/political-courage-test/9490/barack-obama-ii/
Issue Positions- Ron Paul
http://votesmart.org/candidate/political-courage-test/296/ron-paul/
Politifact- A Project of the Tampa Bay Times to Help Find Truth in American Politics
http://www.politifact.com/
Executive Actions and Key Votes- Barack Obama
http://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/9490/
Voting Record- Ron Paul
http://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/296/ron-paul
Mitt Romney- Governor of Massachusetts
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governorship_of_Mitt_Romney
Public Statements- Mitt Romney
http://votesmart.org/candidate/public-statements/21942/mitt-romney
Public Statements- Barack Obama
http://votesmart.org/candidate/public-statements/9490/barack-obama-ii
Public Statements- Ron Paul
http://votesmart.org/candidate/public-statements/296/ron-paul
FactCheck monitors the factual accuracy of ads, debates, speeches, interviews, news releases, and emails.
factcheck.org
Ask a Political Question
http://factcheck.org/ask-factcheck/
Issue Positions- Mitt Romney
http://votesmart.org/candidate/political-courage-test/21942/mitt-romney/
Issue Positions- Barack Obama
http://votesmart.org/candidate/political-courage-test/9490/barack-obama-ii/
Issue Positions- Ron Paul
http://votesmart.org/candidate/political-courage-test/296/ron-paul/
Politifact- A Project of the Tampa Bay Times to Help Find Truth in American Politics
http://www.politifact.com/
Executive Actions and Key Votes- Barack Obama
http://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/9490/
Voting Record- Ron Paul
http://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/296/ron-paul
Mitt Romney- Governor of Massachusetts
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governorship_of_Mitt_Romney
Public Statements- Mitt Romney
http://votesmart.org/candidate/public-statements/21942/mitt-romney
Public Statements- Barack Obama
http://votesmart.org/candidate/public-statements/9490/barack-obama-ii
Public Statements- Ron Paul
http://votesmart.org/candidate/public-statements/296/ron-paul
FactCheck monitors the factual accuracy of ads, debates, speeches, interviews, news releases, and emails.
factcheck.org
Ask a Political Question
http://factcheck.org/ask-factcheck/
How U.S. Tax Dollars Are Spent
Homeland Security Budget: http://costsofwar.org/article/homeland-security-budget
State and Federal money spent on the war on drugs: http://www.drugsense.org/cms/wodclock
Adding up the cost of Government bailouts: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/02/04/business/20090205-bailout-totals-graphic.html
Top 6 U.S. Government Financial Bailouts:
http://www.investopedia.com/articles/economics/08/government-financial-bailout.asp#axzz1vEzwiFsb
Total cost of foreign wars: http://costofwar.com/en/
Our Insanely Big $1 Trillion National Security Budget:
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/05/national-security-budget-1-trillion-congress
Why Are We Still At War?
10 Ways To Save Money
Having a written plan on how to spend your money will help you to prioritize and buy the most important items first and the less important items only if you have enough money left over. If you have some credit card debt or are falling behind on payments starting a budget might be the life raft you've been searching for. A budget may also allow you to increase your savings by cutting out some of the impulse buys you may have made before starting to budget.
2. CUT COUPONS
Cutting the coupons out of your Sunday newspaper, from the fliers that come in the mail, and from the front and back of some store receipts can easily save you $40.00 or more each month. Some products may have instant coupons on them in the store or a coupon you can use later. Boost your coupon savings by printing them from various online websites or swap unused coupons with your friends, co-workers, or neighbors.
3. USE PUMP BOTTLES
Using pump bottle containers for your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, and shave cream can triple the length of time they last. Buy them already in pump bottles, reuse empty pump bottles, or buy empty pump bottles at the store.
4. USE BAR SOAP
Bar soap lasts much longer than liquid hand soap for washing your hands. Spice it up and buy castile, vegetable glycerin, or goats milk soaps with essential oils!
Check Out Some Great Soaps: http://astore.amazon.com/creaidea0fb-20?node=2&page=7
5. DRINK HOMEMADE ICED OR HERBAL TEAS
Pick out your favorite black, green, or herbal tea in tea bags(or loose) and make a pitcher of tea with 2 or more tea bags (depending on the strength of the tea and size of your pitcher). Only a small amount of hot water is needed to brew the tea (around 4 cups or so), you can add more cold, plain water when the tea has brewed; 2-5 minutes for black or green and 5 minutes or more for herbal teas. Have some fun with it and mix different types together. However you do it, you will save money and benefit your health.
Buy Teas Here: http://astore.amazon.com/creaidea0fb-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=14
6. SHOP AT YOUR FARMER'S MARKET
Farmers market prices are often lower than grocery store prices. Many farmers markets also accept SNAP (food stamp benefits). Farmers market produce is often much fresher and tastier than what you can buy at the grocery store! Most markets carry a wide variety of unique foods and may include other/ non-food items for sale as well.
7. PLANT A GARDEN
If you have a yard or even a small deck or porch try planting a garden. Just think of how much one tomato costs? With just one plant you could potentially get dozens of tomatoes. If you have kids planting a garden could be fun, educational, and rewarding (in more ways than just the food!).
Buy Garden Seeds Here: http://astore.amazon.com/creaidea0fb-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=17
8. USE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION
Before hopping into your car ask yourself, "Do I need to take the car?". Try incorporating walking, bicycling, taking your city bus, or riding your moped or motorcycle if you have one. You'll save yourself money, get in shape, and you might even meet some new friends!
9. REUSE PLASTIC GROCERY SACKS
Instead of just throwing away that plastic grocery sack use it as a trash can liner in your home. Simply tie them when full and throw away.
10. SHOP THRIFTY
Buy as many items as you can from thrift stores, garage sales, or online auctions. You can find many popular and unique items at a fraction of the retail price.
What's On Your Mind?
I'm leaving this one open-ended. I'd like to get a conversation going with the readers of this blog. What do you think is the most interesting thing in the news right now? Who would you like to see elected President? What would you change if you were able to change something? How do you think the U.S. can create more jobs and improve the economy? If you could change 3 things about society today what would they be? What do you think is the most important issue for the President to focus on? Please leave a comment detailing anything that's been on your mind or respond to a comment left by another reader.
Cure for Cancer
An ambitious goal, yes, but one we can all work towards. Numerous scientific studies have shown chemicals in food, air, and everyday products cause or increase the risk of getting cancer. We can make more informed decisions on the products that we choose to use. But why not ban toxic chemicals that harm our health and increase our risk of getting cancer from our food, air, and everyday products? Many countries have started to do so, but the U.S. doesn't seem to be a leader in this change. The Clean Air Act is designed to help keep our air clean but many places in the country are still not meeting the Clean Air Act requirements over forty years after it was first introduced. Check out the links below for more information.Ingredients to Avoid in Cosmetics:
http://www.healthypersonalcare4you.blogspot.com/2012_03_01_archive.html
Hair Dye and the Risk of Cancer:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/hair-dyes
Introduction to Indoor Air Quality:
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html
Making Cosmetics Safe:
http://www.breastcancerfund.org/big-picture-solutions/make-our-products-safe/making-cosmetics-safe.html
Contaminants in Bath Products:
http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=221
Clean Air Act:
http://www.epa.gov/air/caa/
California's Smog Problem and the Clean Air Act:
http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/mwyenn/nrdc_sues_epa_over_inadequate.html
Presidential Quotes
"It should be clear by now that a nation can be no stronger abroad than she is at home. Only an America which practices what it preaches about equal rights and social justice will be respected by those whose choice affects our future."
-John F. Kennedy
" I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of society but the people themselves, and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education."
-Thomas Jefferson
"As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy. Whatever differs from this, to the extent of the difference, is no democracy."
-Abraham Lincoln
Share Ways To Be An Active Citizen!
10 Comments will be chosen to appear in an upcoming post on Ways to Be an Active Citizen in today's society! Example: Register to Vote. Register to Vote today by clicking on "REGISTER TO VOTE" at the bottom of this page! List any /all things that a citizen can do; to protest the government, to learn which elected offices a citizen can vote for, to maintain and establish freedom, etc.
" I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations."
- James Madison, President (1809-1817)
Now on Facebook- Creative Ideas 4 You
5 Ways to Improve the Economy
1. START YOUR OWN BUSINESSOur economy is supported and reinforced by entrepreneurs. Our economy depends on people like you and me buying and selling goods and services.
2. RECYCLE
Recycling creates a valuable industry that can improve our economy by increasing the number of jobs and improving the quality of the environment through less landfill waste and lower factory emissions because recycled material requires less energy than raw materials to create new products.
3. LOSE WEIGHT
By losing weight you decrease your chances of getting many different illnesses. You will not only save yourself money you will also lessen the cost to the health care system.
4. BUY LOCAL AND MADE IN THE USA
Buying local means more money stays in your community. It increases your local employment. Buying local also helps to save the environment and costs associated with the transportation of goods.
Commit as a consumer to buying American-made products. Buying American-made products supports American manufacturing jobs. Like buying local, buying American-made means more money stays in the USA.
5. INVEST IN CLEAN ENERGY
Like Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Hydro-Electric, and Others. Investing in clean energy boosts economic growth and employment, creating quality middle class jobs for current and future generations. Clean energy investment will also help to reduce dependence on foreign and domestic oil and will help us to leave our Earth cleaner and greener for future generations.
Buy Home Solar and Wind Products: http://astore.amazon.com/creaidea0fb-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=33
Pink Slime
Federal Agriculture officials have agreed to allow several meat producers to voluntarily list the stuff on package labels.
The way it would appear on the label: LEAN FINELY TEXTURED BEEF, or LFTB/ LFTB FREE. Lean finely textured beef is misleading and doesn't mention the ammonia bath which seems to be the largest issue surrounding Pink Slime. ( And the most disturbing! )
Labeling should be mandatory for this and all other ingredients in food (and consumer products). A large percentage of the American People support labeling of Pink Slime and many other ingredients used in our food, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, etc. The U.S. has only banned 10 cosmetic ingredients! Many ingredients allowed in our food, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies have been scientifically proven to cause or increase the risk of cancer and many other illnesses.
LEARN ABOUT CHEMICALS BANNED FROM COSMETICS IN EUROPE
http://personalcaretruth.com/2011/05/the-eu-has-banned-1342-cosmetic-ingredients/
BRITAIN BANS FOOD DYES
http://www.tampabay.com/features/consumer/article636211.ece
Seeking Journalists
Democrats, Liberals, Progressives Choosing Ron Paul Over Obama
http://www.moneytrendsresearch.com/10-reasons-why-even-democrats-liberals-and-progressives-are-choosing-ron-paul-over-obama/
U.S. CREDIT RATING DOWNGRADED AGAIN
http://www.moneytrendsresearch.com/us-credit-rating-downgraded-yet-again/
Nonprofit News Organization Specializing In Investigative, Political, And Social Justice Reporting
http://motherjones.com/
Congressional Performance
U.S. Wealth Distribution
American Wealth Distribution: (This is not an April fools joke)Top 1% = 43%
Next 4% = 29%
Next 5% = 10%
Next 10% = 11%
Bottom 80% = 7%
(According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities)
Health Care
Amendment XI. of the U.S. Constitution
Article XI.The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State.
Amendments VII.-X. of the U.S. Constitution
Article VII.In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Article VIII.
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Article IX.
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Article X.
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Amendments V.&VI. of the U.S. Constitution
Article V.No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall he be compelled in any criminal case to be witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Article VI.
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusations; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Amendments I.-IV. of the U.S. Constitution
Article I.Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Article II.
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Article III.
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Article IV.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or Affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Save the Trees
In 1916, the U.S. Government predicted that by the 1940's all paper would come from hemp and that no more trees would need to be cut down. Government studies report that 1 acre of hemp equals 4.1 acres of trees.-Department of Agriculture
Hemp can be/is used in paper, skin care, clothing and fabrics, building materials, food, jewelry, fuel, and more! Growing hemp is illegal in America today. It is legal to import, manufacture, purchase, and consume hemp in America today.
Learn About Hemp
http://www.globalhemp.com/about-hemp/
Politics or Greed
Birth Control, A Relevant Political Debate?
At a time when so many things are wrong with our country; our rising national debt, the housing collapse, high unemployment rates, high rates of homelessness, the decline of the middle class, the wars in the middle east, the divide between the Congress, Senate, President, and the American People, severe medicare and social security shortages, backlogged disability system for citizens and veterans; why choose to debate over birth control? Shouldn't it be up to each individual woman to decide for herself if she wants to use birth control or not use birth control or have an abortion or not have an abortion? Isn't this a matter of religious freedom? Freedom of Religion is for each one of us to able to choose which religion to follow or to follow no religion at all."True individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made."
-Franklin D. Roosevelt
"The unity of freedom has never relied on uniformity of opinion."
-John F. Kennedy
"Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed."
-Martin Luther King Jr.
Lottery Stimulus
United States Constitution Article V, VI, VII.
Article V.The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or , on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.
Article VI.
Clause 1.
All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation.
Clause 2.
This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Persuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, and Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.
Clause 3.
The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.
Article VII.
The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same.
United States Constitution Article IV. Section 1,2,3,4.
Article IV.
Section 1.
Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.
Section 2.
Clause 1.
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
Clause 2.
A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime.
Clause 3.
No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due. (See Amendments)
Section 3.
Clause 1.
New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as the Congress.
Clause 2.
The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.
Section 4.
The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.
United States Constitution Article III. Section 1, 2, 3.
Article III.Section 1.
The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.
Section 2.
Clause 1.
The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;-- to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;-- to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party;-- to Controversies between two or more States;-- between a State and Citizens of another State; ( See Amendments)-- between Citizens of different States,-- between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects.
Clause 2.
In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, and other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.
Clause 3.
The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such 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.
Section 3.
Clause 1.
Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
Clause 2.
The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.
United States Constitution Article II. Section 2, 3, 4.
Clause 1.
The President shall be Commader in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, 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 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.
Clause 2.
He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.
Clause 3.
The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.
Section 3.
He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States.
Section 4.
The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.
United States Constitution Article II. Section 1.
Clause 1.
The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows:
Clause 2.
Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.
Clause 3.
The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot on of them for President; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. But in chusing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from each State having one Vote; A quorum for this Purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President. But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate shall chuse from them by Ballot the Vice President. (See Amendments)
Clause 4.
The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States.
Clause 5.
No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.
Clause 6.
In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inablility to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, (See Amendments) the Same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation, or Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.
Clause 7.
The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be encreased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them.
Clause 8.
Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."
United States Constitution Article 1. Section 10.
Clause 1.
No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.
Clause 2.
No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.
United States Constitution Article 1. Section 9.
Section 9.Clause 1.
The Migration of Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.
Clause 2.
The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
Clause 3.
No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.
Clause 4.
No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken. (See Amendments)
Clause 5.
No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.
Clause 6.
No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.
Clause 7.
No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.
Clause 8.
No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
United States Constitution Article 1. Section 8.
Clause 1.
The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
Clause 2.
To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;
Clause 3.
To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;
Clause 4.
To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;
Clause 5.
To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;
Clause 6.
To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;
Clause 7.
To establish Post Offices and post Roads;
Clause 8.
To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;
Clause 9.
To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;
Clause 10.
To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;
Clause 11.
To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
Clause 12.
To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;
Clause 13.
To provide and maintain a Navy;
Clause 14.
To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
Clause 15.
To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
Clause 16.
To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;
Clause 17.
To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, Dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;--And
Clause 18.
To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.
United States Constitution Article 1. Section 6. & Section 7
Clause 1.
The Senators and Representatives shall receive Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. ( See Amendments ) They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.
Clause 2.
No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.
Section 7.
Clause 1.
All Bills of raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.
Clause 2.
Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States; If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by Yeas and Nays, and the Names of those Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law.
Clause 3.
Every order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill.
United States Constitution Article 1. Section 4. & Section 5.
Clause 1.
The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.
Clause 2.
The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, (See Amendments) unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day.
Section 5.
Clause 1.
Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.
Clause 2.
Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member.
Clause 3.
Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal.
Clause 4.
Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.
United States Constitution Article 1 Section 3
Clause 1.
The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.(See Amendments)
Clause 2.
Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first class shall be Vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies. ( See Amendments)
Clause 3.
No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen.
Clause 4.
The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided.
Clause 5.
The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States.
Clause 6.
The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.
Clause 7.
Judgment in cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.
United States Constitution Article 1 Section 2
Clause 1.
The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.
Clause 2.
No person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.
Clause 3.
Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons.(See Amendments). The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. 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 three.
Clause 4.
When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.
Clause 5.
The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.
Introduction to The Constitution of The United States
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 1.
Section1.
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.
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