The Constitution of the United States

The Constitution is the primary document setting out the basic tenets of our government, and describing the basic rights of Americans. The White House website (www.whitehouse.gov) explains:

"The Constitution of the United States of America is the supreme law of the United States. Empowered with the sovereign authority of the people by the framers and the consent of the legislatures of the states, it is the source of all government powers, and also provides important limitations on the government that protect the fundamental rights of United States citizens."

The National Constitution Center (https://constitutioncenter.org/) has the text of the document, as well as lessons for learning more about the Constitution. of particular interest in the news this week are these sections:

Article I, section 9: Known as the Emoluments Clause, this is the section that prohibits a person holding office from accepting gifts from foreign governments.

"No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State."

Article II, section 1:  This section describes how the President shall be elected, and describes what is to happen in the event that no candidate receives more than half of the votes of the Electoral College.

The entire text of the Constitution can be found here. Explore an interactive version at the National Constitution Center website.