Americanism

 February 2021

Throughout the recently passed election cycle, there were numerous references to the

Constitution. As I thought about this, I took the opportunity to re-read it and was again struck by how forward thinking the founding fathers were when drafting the document.

Here are some high points for your consideration:

In the first article, a Representative must have attained the Age of twenty-five years, and been a

citizen of the United States for seven years. When vacancies happen in representation from any

State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of election to fill such vacancies.

Senators are required to be thirty years of age, and residents of the United States for nine

years, The Vice President of the United States shall be the President of the Senate, but shall have

no vote, except to break a tie. The senate has the sole power to try all Impeachments. Any person

so tried may only be convicted with a concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.

Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members. Each House may determine the Rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member.

All bills for raising revenue are required to 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 the bill is not returned by the President

within ten days (Sundays excepted) the same shall become law.

Section 8 gives the Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises. They

are also authorized here to pay the debts and provide for the common Defense and general welfare of the United States. All duties and such shall be uniform throughout the United States. Section 8 also authorizes the printing or money and the authority to fix the standard of weights and measures.

Section 9 allows the migration or importation of such persons as any of the States shall think proper to admit. Also this section states No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.

Article III of the constitution creates the judicial power of the United States vested in one supreme

Court and in such inferior Courts as Congress may ordain and establish. The judicial power extends

to all cases in law and equity.

The amendments to the Constitution are a lesson in and of themselves, and I will touch on them in

next month’s write-up. In the meantime, GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Fraternally,

Steve Gates