from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The fundamental law of the
United States.
2. It was framed by a convention of the representatives of the people,
who met at Philadelphia, and finally adopted it on the 17th day of
September, 1787. It became the law of the land on the first Wednesday in
March, 1789. 5 Wheat. 420.
3. A short analysis of this instrument, so replete with salutary
provisions for insuring liberty and private rights, and public peace and
prosperity, will here be given.
4. The preamble declares that the people of the United States, in order
to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure public tranquillity,
provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the
blessings of liberty to themselves and their posterity, do ordain and
establish this constitution for the United States of America.
5.-1. The first article is divided into ten sections. By the first
the legislative power is vested in congress. The second regulates the
formation of the house of representatives, and declares who shall be
electors. The third provides for the organization of the senate, and bestows
on it the power to try impeachments. The fourth directs the times and places
of holding elections and the time of meeting of congress. The fifth
determines the power of the respective houses. The sixth provides for a
compensation to members of congress, and for their safety from arrests and
disqualifies them from holding certain offices. The seventh directs the
manner of passing bills. The eighth defines the powers vested in congress.
The ninth contains the following provisions: 1st. That the migration or
importation of persons shall not be prohibited prior to the year 1808. 2d.
That the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, except in particular
cases. 3d. That no bill of attainder, or ex post facto law, shall be passed.
4th. The manner of laying taxes. 5th. The manner of drawing money out of the
treasury. 6th. That no title of nobility shall be granted. 7th. That no
officer shall receive a present from a foreign government. The tenth forbids
the respective states to exercise certain powers there enumerated.
6.-2. The second article is divided into four sections. The first
vests the executive power in the president of the United States of America,
and provides for his election, and that of the vice-president. The second
section confers various powers on the president. The third defines his
duties. The fourth provides for the impeachment of the president, vice-
president, and all civil officers of the United States.
7.-3. The third article contains three sections. The first vests the
judicial power in sundry courts, provides for the tenure of office by the
judges, and for their compensation. The second provides for the extent of
the judicial power, vests in the supreme court original jurisdiction in
certain cases, and directs the manner of trying crimes. The third defines
treason, and vests in congress the power to declare its punishment.
8.-4. The fourth article is composed of four sections. The first
relates to the faith which state records, &c., shall have in other states.
The second secures the rights of citizens in the several states for the
delivery of fugitives from justice or from labor. The third for the
admission of new states, and the government of the territories. The fourth
guaranties to every state in the Union the republican form of government,
and protection from invasion or domestic violence.
9.-5. The Fifth Article provides for amendments to the constitution.
10.-6. The sixth article declares that the debts due under the
confederation shall be valid against the United States; that the
constitution and treaties made under its powers shall be the supreme law of
the land that public officers shall be required by oath or affirmation to
support the Constitution of the United States that no religious test shall
be required as a qualification for office.
11.-7. The seventh article directs what shall be a sufficient
ratification of this constitution by the states.
12. In pursuance of the fifth article of the constitution, articles in
addition to, and amendment of, the constitution, were proposed by congress,
and ratified by the legislatures of the several states. These additional
articles are to the following import:
13.-1. Relates to religious freedom; the liberty of the press; the
right of the people to assemble and petition.
14.-2. Secures to the people the right to bear arms.
15.-3. Provides for the quartering of soldiers.
16.-4. Regulates the right of search, and of arrest on criminal
charges.
17.-5. Directs the manner of being held to answer for crimes, and
provides for the security of the life, liberty and property of the citizens.
18.-6. Secures to the accused the right to a fair trial by jury.
19.-7. Provides for a trial by jury in civil cases.
20.-8. Directs that excessive bail shall not be required; nor
excessive fines imposed nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
21.-9. Secures to the people the rights retained by them.
22.-10. Secures the rights to the states, or to the people the rights
they have not granted.
23.-11. Limits the powers of the courts as to suits against one of the
United States.
24.-12. Points out the manner of electing the president and vice-
president.