Article Two of the United States Constitution

Article Two of the United States Constitution establishes the executive branch of the federal government, which carries out and enforces federal laws. It includes the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, and the Cabinet. Article Two vests the power of the executive branch in the President and outlines the procedures for electing and removing the President, as well as the President's powers and responsibilities.

Sections of Article Two

Article Two is divided into four sections, each detailing various aspects of the executive branch's structure and powers.

Section 1: Presidential Term and Election

Section 1 establishes the President and Vice President's terms of office, which are four years. It also outlines the Electoral College system, a unique method for electing the President and Vice President. Additionally, this section specifies the qualifications for holding the office of President, including being a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a resident within the United States for 14 years. The original text also included the Presidential Succession Act, detailing the line of succession in the event of the President's death, resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office.

Section 2: Presidential Powers

Section 2 grants significant powers to the President, including the role of commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces, the power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States (except in cases of impeachment), and the authority to make treaties (with the advice and consent of the Senate, requiring a two-thirds vote). This section also allows the President to appoint ambassadors, public ministers, consuls, judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States, whose appointments are not otherwise provided for by the Constitution.

Section 3: Presidential Responsibilities

Section 3 requires the President to give a State of the Union address to Congress, recommending measures deemed necessary and expedient. It also tasks the President with receiving ambassadors and other public ministers, ensuring the faithful execution of laws, and commissioning all the officers of the United States.

Section 4: Impeachment

Section 4 provides the grounds for impeachment of the President, Vice President, and all civil officers of the United States for "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors." This section establishes the legal and constitutional basis for impeachment proceedings.

Significance and Impact

Article Two of the Constitution has been the foundation for the executive branch's role and powers in the United States government since its ratification. It has been interpreted and expanded through practice, legislation, and judicial review over the years. The provisions regarding presidential powers and responsibilities have been central to debates on the scope and limits of executive authority.