A Constitution sets out the basic rules and limits of a government. It also determines how the federal and state governments are organized. The Constitution assigns legislative power (the ability to pass laws) to Congress, executive power (the ability to administer those laws) to the president and judicial power (the ability to interpret and enforce the laws) to the courts. The Constitution also establishes how the nation will conduct itself through the guarantee of a republican form of government, protection against invasion and a redress of claims for property loss or injury.
Congressional Powers
Article II gives Congress the power to organize itself, set the number of senators and representatives from each state, establish the qualifications for the office of president, and make laws to carry into effect the foregoing powers. This includes the ability to raise revenue, declare war and take other important action. The president is allowed to veto specific legislative acts, but Congress can override presidential vetoes with two-thirds majorities of the Senate and House.
Article III grants the President the authority to appoint ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls and Judges of the supreme Court. He may also make Treaties provided he has the Advice and Consent of the Senate. The Constitution also provides for the conduct of trials of impeachment. In most but not all modern states, the constitution has supremacy over ordinary statutory law, meaning that if an official act is found to be unconstitutional it is null and void ab initio.
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