Constitution Blueprint Reader The Legislative Blueprint
Article I of the U.S. Constitution: Student Reader
Name:
Date:
The Lawmaking Power
Article I establishes the Legislative Branch. Section 1 grants all lawmaking power to a bicameral (two-house) Congress. Section 2 defines the House of Representatives (2-year terms, age 25+, represents the people). Section 3 defines the Senate (6-year terms, age 30+, represents the states).
Section 7
The Lawmaking Process
"All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives... 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..."
Annotation Task:
• Underline where tax/revenue bills MUST start.
• Circle the two people or groups that must "pass" a bill before it reaches the President.
Stop & Jot
What portion of Congress is needed to override a veto?
"To override a President's veto, Congress needs a ________-________ vote in both houses."
Section 8
Powers Granted to Congress
"The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes... to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence..."
Cl. 1 Power:
"To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States..."
Cl. 3 Power:
"To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization... and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies..."
Cl. 4 Power:
"To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof... and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures..."
Cl. 5 Power:
"To establish Post Offices and post Roads..."
Cl. 7 Power:
"To promote the Progress of Science... by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right..."
Cl. 8 Power:
"To declare War... and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water..."
Cl. 11 Power:
"To raise and support Armies... To provide and maintain a Navy..."
Cl. 12 Power:
The Elastic Clause (Clause 18):
"To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers..."
Your Title:
Section 9
Limits on Congress
Read the text below and identify the prohibited actions for the numbered list.
"The Migration or Importation of such Persons... shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight..." [1. Slave Trade protected until 1808]
"The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it." [2. No suspending Habeas Corpus]
"No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed." [3. No Bill of Attainder; 4. No ex post facto laws]
"No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States..." [5. No titles of nobility]
Identification Activity
1. Importation of Persons (Slave Trade)
Section Review
1. Describe the primary purpose of Article I as discussed in the text.
Sentence Frame: "The primary purpose of Article I is to establish the ________ branch and define its ________ and ________."
2. How does the structure of Congress (House vs. Senate) reflect a system of checks and balances?
Sentence Frame: "The structure reflects checks and balances because the House represents ________ while the Senate represents ________, and both must ________ to pass a law."
3. Why did the Framers include both Section 8 (Powers) and Section 9 (Limits)?
Sentence Frame: "The Framers included both sections to ensure that Congress has enough power to ________, but not so much power that it ________."
Legislative Power Slides Legislative Power
THE LAWMAKING
BLUEPRINT
An In-Depth Analysis of Article I of the U.S. Constitution
The Framers' Vision
The Framers considered the Legislative Branch the most powerful part of government.
They wanted it to be the "central power plant," but they also feared it could become too strong.
"They chained it down with lists of powers and restraints."
Essential Question
How did the Constitution design Congress to be both powerful and limited ?
Section 1
The Legislative Power
ANNOTATE
"All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives."
Your Task:
• Circle the two houses of Congress.
• Underline who holds law-making power.
"Vested" means "to be given power or authority."
Section 2
House of Representatives
TURN & TALK
The Rules
• Term: 2 Years
• Age: 25 Years Old
• Special Power: Impeachment
"The House is intended to be the branch closest to the people."
Discussion:
Why do you think the Framers set the House term at only two years while the age requirement is younger than other roles?
Support Frames:
"I think the term is short because..."
"The younger age might allow for..."
Section 3
The Senate
STOP & JOT
The Upper House
• Term: 6 Years
• Replacement: 1/3 every 2 years
• Age: 30 Years Old
• Power: Try all Impeachments
What is the worst punishment an impeached official can receive from the Senate?
(Look at the final paragraph of Section 3 in your reader!)
"The most severe punishment the Senate can give is ________ from ________."
Section 7
How a Bill Becomes Law
1
Revenue Bills MUST start in the House of Representatives.
Legislative Power Teacher Guide Teacher Facilitation Guide
Unit: The Legislative Blueprint | Article I
Suggested Pacing (2 x 90 Minute Periods)
Day 1: Structure
00-15: Hook & Vision (Slides 1-2)15-30: Section 1: The Power (Slide 3)30-60: Section 2: House Details (Slide 4)60-90: Section 3: Senate Details (Slide 5)
Day 2: Power & Limits
00-30: Section 7: Lawmaking (Slide 6)30-60: Section 8: The Powers (Slide 7)60-80: Sections 9-10: Restraints (Slide 8)80-90: Formative Assessment / Exit Ticket
Instructional Scripting
Slide 2: The Vision
"Class, look at Article I. The Framers didn't start with the President. They started with the people's representatives. Why? Because the power to write the rules of a country is the ultimate power. We call it the 'central power plant' because everything else in our government runs on the laws Congress makes."
Slide 4: House (Turn & Talk)
"Notice the requirements for the House. 25 years old. 2-year terms. Why so short? The House is the 'impulsive' branch. They have to run for election every two years, which means they have to listen to YOU, the people, constantly. Turn to your partner: do you think two years is enough time to get anything done?"
Slide 7: Elastic Clause (Pedagogy Tip)
"Clause 18 is the 'sneaky' clause. It says Congress can do whatever is 'necessary and proper' to carry out its other powers. This is a great time to discuss how the government stays relevant. Could the Framers have predicted the internet? No. But can Congress regulate it? Yes, because of Clause 18."
Misconceptions & Trouble Spots
The Veto Trap: Students often think a Veto is the end of a bill. Emphasize that a 2/3 override is the ultimate "check" on the President.
Impeachment vs. Removal: Many students believe "impeach" means "fire." Clarify that the House impeaches (accuses) and the Senate tries (removes). It is a two-step process.
IEP & LEP Scaffolding Tips
Visual Aids: When discussing the House vs. Senate, use physical gestures (hands low for House/People, hands high for Senate/State-wide).
Vocabulary Front-loading: Before reading, define "Vested," "Adjourn," "Revenue," and "Quorum" on the board.
Chunking: If students are overwhelmed by the Section 8 list, have them only focus on the first five clauses and the final "Elastic Clause."
Legislative Power Answer Key Master Answer Key
The Legislative Blueprint | Article I
Teacher Use Only
Sections 1-3: Structure
Section 1: Who has powers?
Answer: Congress (Senate and House of Representatives).
Section 2: House Term & Power
Answer: 2 years. Age: 25. Sole power of Impeachment.
Section 3: Senate Term & Trial
Answer: 6 years. Age: 30. Power to try impeachments.
Section 3: Worst Punishment
Answer: Removal from office and disqualification from future office.
Section 8: Enumerated Powers (Major Clauses)
*Note: This list focuses on high-impact powers for classroom instruction; some minor clauses are omitted for focus.
Cl 1: Tax / Spend for general welfare
Cl 2: Borrow money on U.S. credit
Cl 3: Regulate Commerce (Trade)
Cl 4: Naturalization / Bankruptcy rules
Cl 5: Coin money / Weights & Measures
Cl 7: Post Offices / Post Roads
Cl 8: Patents / Copyrights for authors
Cl 11: Declare War / Letters of Marque
Cl 12: Raise/Support Armies
Cl 14: Rules for Government of Military
Cl 15: Call up Militia to execute laws
Cl 17: Administer D.C. / Federal Lands
Cl 18: Necessary and Proper (Elastic Clause)
Sections 9-10: Restraints
Section 9 (Congress Limits):
Slave trade: Protected until 1808 (limit on interference).Habeas Corpus: Protected (cannot suspend unless rebellion/invasion).Bill of Attainder: No laws declaring guilt without trial.Ex Post Facto: No laws punishing past actions.Titles of Nobility: No kings/queens in the U.S.
Section 10 (State Limits):
Treaties: No separate foreign alliances.Money: Cannot coin their own currency.Military: No troops/warships in peace time.Titles: Cannot grant nobility titles.
Congress Check Exit Ticket Article I: Exit Ticket
Lawmaking Blueprint Unit Assessment
Name:
Date:
1. Match the term to the correct chamber of Congress (Write A, B, C, or D on the lines):
A. Six-year Term
B. Two-year Term
C. Power of Impeachment
D. Power to try Impeachments
House of Reps
The Senate
2. According to Section 7, where must all tax and revenue bills originate?
The Senate
The Supreme Court
The House of Representatives
The President's Cabinet
3. What does the "Elastic Clause" (Clause 18) allow Congress to do?
Cancel elections whenever they want
Make all laws "necessary and proper" for carrying out their duties
Suspend the Constitution during an emergency
4. Provide one example of a power denied to the States in Section 10.
Frame: "One thing states are not allowed to do is ________."
5. True or False: Congress can grant titles of nobility, such as King or Duke.
True
False
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Constitution Guided Worksheet Article I Guided Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Section 1
Legislative Power
1. Who has all law-making powers according to Article I, Section 1?
2. Name the two "houses" of Congress:
a.
b.
Section 2
House of Representatives
1. Term length?
2. Minimum age?
3. Which House has the sole power to impeach?
"The ________ has the exclusive power of impeachment."
Section 3
The Senate
1. Term length?
2. Minimum age?
3. Replacement rate?
"Every 2 years, ________ of the Senate is replaced."
4. Impeachment trial house?
5. Worst punishment an official can receive from the Senate?
"The Senate can punish an official by ________ from office."
Sections 4, 5, 6
Operations & Privileges
1. Force election day?
2. Compel attendance?
3. Adjournment rules?
4. Arrest immunity?
5. May a sitting Congressman hold other offices at the same time?
Section 7
How Laws are Made
1. Which House has responsibility for and supervision over raising taxes?
2. Portion of the two Houses needed to override a veto?
"To override a veto, a ________-________ vote is required."
Section 8
Enumerated Powers
Identify the power granted to Congress for each specific Clause.
Clause 1:
Clause 2:
Clause 3:
Clause 4:
Clause 5:
Clause 6:
Clause 7:
Clause 8:
Clause 9:
Clause 10:
Clause 11:
Clause 12:
Clause 13:
Clause 14:
Clause 15:
Clause 16:
Clause 17:
Clause 18:
Section 9 & 10
The Handcuffs
Section 9: List eight major restraints on Congress:
Section 10: Restrictions on the States
1. Clause 1: List nine activities that states may not do:
2. Inter-state fees allowed?
3. May states fight foreign wars?
Constitution Guided Answer Key Answer Key
Article I Guided Reading Worksheet
Teacher Use Only
Sections 1-3: Structure
S1: Law-making powers?
Congress
S1: Two Houses?
Senate and House of Representatives
S2: House Term / Age?
2 Years / 25 Years Old
S2: Impeachment power?
The House of Representatives (sole power)
S3: Senate Term / Age?
6 Years / 30 Years Old
S3: Replacement rate?
One third (1/3) every two years
Sections 4-7: Operations
S4: Election dates?
Yes, Congress may make or alter regulations.
S5: Forced attendance?
Yes, they may compel attendance of absent members.
S5: Adjournment?
Consent of the other House.
S6: Arrest immunity?
No (Privileged from arrest except Treason, Felony, and Breach of Peace).
S7: Tax Bills start?
House of Representatives
S7: Veto Override?
Two-thirds (2/3) of both Houses.
Section 8: Enumerated Powers
Cl 1: Tax / Spend / General Welfare
Cl 10: Punish Piracies/Felonies on sea
Cl 2: Borrow money
Cl 11: Declare War
Cl 3: Regulate Commerce
Cl 12: Raise/Support Armies
Cl 4: Naturalization / Bankruptcy
Cl 13: Provide/Maintain Navy
Cl 5: Coin money / Weights & Measures
Cl 14: Rules for Government of Military
Cl 6: Punish counterfeiting
Cl 15: Call up Militia
Cl 7: Post Offices / Roads
Cl 16: Organize/Arm/Discipline Militia
Cl 8: Patents / Copyrights
Cl 17: Administer D.C. / Federal lands
Cl 9: Constitute inferior courts
Cl 18: Necessary and Proper (Elastic)
Section 9 & 10: Limits
Section 9 Prohibitions:
1. Slave trade (pre-1808), 2. Suspend Habeas Corpus, 3. Bill of Attainder, 4. Ex Post Facto laws, 5. Direct taxes (capitation), 6. Tax exports from states, 7. Preference to ports, 8. Titles of Nobility.
