Article I breathes life into the federal government, birthing the influential legislative branch – a potent amalgamation of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This powerful entity, fueled by its duty, crafts the laws that shape our nation’s destiny. This article meticulously outlines the breadth of Congress’ authority and the bounds it must respect.

Section 1 of Article I establishes that all legislative powers shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives.

Section 2 provides for the election of members of the House of Representatives, who serve two-year terms and must be at least 25 years old, a citizen of the United States for at least seven years, and an inhabitant of the state in which they are elected.

Section 3 provides for the election of members of the Senate, who serve six-year terms and must be at least 30 years old, a citizen of the United States for at least nine years, and an inhabitant of the state in which they are elected. The Vice President of the United States serves as the President of the Senate but has no vote except in the case of a tie.

Section 4 establishes that the times, places, and manner of holding elections for Senators and Representatives shall be prescribed by each state legislature, but Congress may make or alter such regulations.

Section 5 sets forth the rules and procedures for each house of Congress, including the power to determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and expel a member with a two-thirds vote.

Section 6 establishes that members of Congress shall be paid for their services, that they shall be privileged from arrest while attending and traveling to and from sessions of Congress, and that they shall not hold any other office or receive any other emolument from the United States government while serving in Congress.

Section 7 describes the process for making laws, including the requirement that revenue-raising bills must originate in the House of Representatives, that bills must be passed by both houses of Congress before being sent to the President for approval or veto, and that a two-thirds vote of both houses may override a veto.

Section 8 lists the powers of Congress, which include the power to lay and collect taxes, borrow money, regulate commerce, coin money, establish post offices and post roads, declare war, and raise and support armies and navies. Congress also has the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its powers.

Section 9 places limitations on the powers of Congress, including the prohibition of bills of attainder, ex post facto laws, and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus except in cases of rebellion or invasion. Section 9 also provides for the protection of individual rights, such as the right to trial by jury and the right to habeas corpus.

Finally, Section 10 prohibits the states from exercising certain powers, such as entering into treaties, coining money, and impairing the obligation of contracts.