Article I of the United States Constitution focuses on establishing the legislative branch of the federal government, known as Congress. It creates a bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and vests all federal legislative powers in this body
. Key aspects of Article I include:
- The structure and composition of Congress, detailing qualifications, terms, and election processes for members of both the House and Senate
- The powers granted to Congress, such as the authority to make laws, levy taxes, regulate commerce, declare war, raise and support armies and navies, and govern the national capital
- The procedures for passing legislation, including the president's veto power and Congress's ability to override vetoes
- Limits on the powers of Congress and the states to prevent abuses
- The principle that all legislative powers are vested exclusively in Congress, emphasizing the separation of powers and nondelegation of legislative authority to the executive or judiciary
Overall, Article I establishes Congress as the central lawmaking institution of the federal government, representing the people and balancing powers within the federal system
