Publius Blog – Page 7 – Taking the U.S. Constitution seriously

Article 1, Section 8, Clause 4: Naturalization and Bankruptcy Clause

Posted on May 31, 1787
/Under Clause 4: Naturalization and Bankruptcy
/With 0 Comments

To establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States; The Naturalization and Bankruptcy Clause has been uncontroversial, at least until recently. A citizen of any State was understood to be a citizen of the United States, and the Constitution implicitly…continue reading →

Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3: Commerce Clause

Posted on May 30, 1787
/Under Clause 3: Commerce Clause
/With 0 Comments

To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes; To regulate is to govern or direct according to a set of rules. It implies bringing order, method, or uniformity to an activity. It is in this sense that we later understand the Second Amendment. However,…continue reading →

Article 1, Section 8, Clause 2: Borrowing Power

Posted on May 29, 1787
/Under Clause 2: The Borrowing Power
/With 0 Comments

To borrow Money on the credit of the United States; Congress is explicitly granted the power to borrow money, with the implied power (or why else the need?) to spend in excess of revenues. Such borrowing can take many forms, and in 1871, the Supreme Court declared that the issuance…continue reading →

Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1: The Taxing and Spending Clause

Posted on May 28, 1787
/Under Clause 1: The Spending Power
/With 0 Comments

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States; This clause is composed of three subclauses. These…continue reading →

Article 1, Section 7, Clause 3: Resolutions

Posted on May 27, 1787
/Under Clause 3: Resolutions, Uncategorized
/With 0 Comments

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…continue reading →

Article 1, Section 7, Clause 2: Presentment Clause

Posted on May 26, 1787
/Under Uncategorized
/With 0 Comments

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…continue reading →

Article 1, Section 7, Clause 1: Origination Clause

Posted on May 25, 1787
/Under Clause 1; Origination Clause, Section 7: Legislative Process
/With 0 Comments

All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills. This clause establishes the exclusive prerogative of the House of Representatives to originate bills levying taxes. It is a much-watered-down version of the British parliamentary…continue reading →

Article 1, Section 6, Clause 2: Ineligibility Clause

Posted on May 24, 1787
/Under Clause 2: Ineligibility Clause
/With 0 Comments

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…continue reading →

Article 1, Section 6, Clause 1: Rights of Members

Posted on May 23, 1787
/Under Clause 1; Rights of Members, Section 6: Rights and Disabilities of Members
/With 0 Comments

The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of…continue reading →

Article 1, Section 5, Clause 4: Adjournment

Posted on May 22, 1787
/Under Clause 4: Adjournment
/With 0 Comments

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. This clause establishes that the two Houses are to meet concurrently in time and space.…continue reading →