The Articles of the Constitution of the United

States

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© North Carolina Community College System

The United States Constitution has three parts.

A Preamble 7 Articles 27 Amendments

This lesson is on the seven Articles.

The Seven Articles are the

plan of government for

the United States.

The Seven Articles are the

plan of government for

the United States.

Article I sets up the Legislative Branch of

government. It creates the U.S. Congress.

Only Congress can make federal laws for the United States.

Article II sets up the Executive Branch of Government to provide

leadership for the country.

The President is in charge of the

Executive Branch.

Article III sets up the Judicial Branch of Government. The

Supreme Court is the highest court in the land.

Article IV tells how the states relate to each other and to the federal government.

Federal Government

It also tells how new states may be admitted to the Union.

Article V tells how the Constitution may be amended (changed).

Only men can vote.

Men and women can vote.

Only men can vote.

Men and women can vote.

Article VI says the Constitution is the supreme law of the land.

Article VI requires public officials to take an oath to

support the Constitution.

It also authorizes Congress to

borrow money (the national debt).

Article VII says the Constitution will be the law if nine states ratify

(accept) it.

All thirteen states ratified the Constitution between 1787 and

1790!

Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution, and Rhode Island

was the last.

Before we look at the Amendments to the Constitution, let’s see how the Legislative, Executive, and

Judicial branches of government work.

7Articles

7Articles

27Amendments

27AmendmentsPreamblePreamble