The article discusses the role and powers of the legislative branch of the federal government in the United States, as established by Article One of the Constitution. Here is a concise summary:
**Establishment of Congress**: Article One vests all federal legislative powers in a Congress consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives. This bicameral legislature is central to the federal government, allowing representatives to act for the common good.
**Composition and Election**: The Senate is composed of two senators from each state, serving six-year terms. Originally, senators were elected by state legislatures, but the Seventeenth Amendment allows for direct election by the people. The House of Representatives is composed of members elected every two years, with each state’s representation based on population.
**Powers of Congress**: Article One grants Congress various enumerated powers, including:
– To lay and collect taxes, duties, and excises.
– To provide for the common defense and general welfare.
– To regulate interstate and international commerce.
– To set naturalization laws and coin money.
– To borrow money on the credit of the United States.
– To establish post offices and post roads.
– To declare war and raise and support an army and navy.
– To provide for the militia and govern it.
– To exercise exclusive legislation over the District of Columbia.
**Limitations and Separation of Powers**: The Constitution limits Congress’s powers to those explicitly granted, preventing it from delegating legislative authority to other branches. This principle of nondelegation is central to the separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, ensuring that each branch exercises only its constitutional powers.
**Historical Interpretations**: The broad interpretation of Article One’s powers has led to significant federal authority, including the establishment of social programs and regulatory agencies. However, there have been debates and court decisions, such as **McCulloch v. Maryland** (1819), which have clarified the scope of these powers.
Overall, Article One establishes the foundational structure and powers of the legislative branch, ensuring that Congress acts within its constitutional limits while maintaining the separation of powers essential to a limited government accountable to the people[3][5].
English