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 right to vote in the Senate.

Interpretation

By Mad Mike

In the nutshell, again, this is how the Constitution can be changed. It requires a two-thirds vote from both parties of Congress, or by two thirds of the states. See the end of this document for 27 examples of this in action.

Article VI

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.

This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance 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, anything in the Constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding.

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.

Interpretation

By Mad Mike

This article lies out two basic things. One is that our debt is just that. Our debt. The second is that a state can't pass into law something that was already federally made illegal. For instance, Nevada couldn't start a law making slavery legal because it was already considered illegal by federal law.

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.

Done in convention by the unanimous consent of the states present the seventeenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven and of the independence of the United States of America the twelfth. In witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names,
G. Washington - Presidt. and deputy from Virginia
New Hampshire: John Langdon, Nicholas Gilman
Massachusetts: Nathaniel Gorham, Rufus King
Connecticut: Wm. Saml. Johnson, Roger Sherman
New York: Alexander Hamilton
New Jersey: Wil. Livingston, David Brearly, Wm. Paterson, Jona. Dayton
Pennsylvania: B. Franklin, Thomas Mifflin, Robt. Morris, Geo. Clymer, Thos. FitzSimons, Jared Ingersoll, James Wilson, Gouv Morris
Delaware: Geo. Read, Gunning Bedford jr, John Dickinson, Richard Bassett, Jaco. Broom
Maryland: James McHenry, Dan of St Thos. Jenifer, Danl Carroll
Virginia: John Blair, James Madison Jr.
North Carolina: Wm. Blount, Richd. Dobbs Spaight, Hu Williamson
South Carolina: J. Rutledge, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Charles Pinckney, Pierce Butler
Georgia: William Few, Abr Baldwin

Interpretation

Amendment I (1791)

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.

Interpretation

By Mad Mike

Self explanatory. To petition the government for redress of grievances means that we can ask the government to fix something we feel is broken.

Amendment II (1791)

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.

Interpretation

By Mad Mike

Probably how I'd write it: It is left to the people to maintain a militia, regulated by the Congress (per Article 1, Section 8), which may become necessary to ensure security and freedom from a tyrannical government. And to ensure this security from such a government, there shall be no infringement upon the rights of the citizens to keep and bear arms.

 
 

Recent Photos

hopinthewatersfine img00315-20110711-1326 acornbustinnuts img00384-20110712-1419

Latest Tweet

MadJen34: A good thing to remember always fellow Patriots! http://t.co/hjcqnaPD

about 9 hours ago
Hey! Follow Us on Twitter.
  • Recent Blog Entries

  • Recent Forum Posts

  • Recent Blog Comments