The CuriouSpot

Last Post...On This Blog At Least

Girrelephant_Master@girrelephants.com (Michael Morales) — Tue, 26 May 2009 04:13:00 -0700

All in all, the most important or at least important thing I have realized over this school year in-particular is probably taking advantage of all the opportunities that are available even if they are not what I looking for initially. As much as we try to think and plan things out in advance, we ultimately can never guarantee that our will or desire is going to go exactly as planned. The thing that has really changed in the last 7 months especially is learning to not just consider similar opportunities that are available, but to totally rethink everything from the beginning, and disregard how people will react as long as I reach the goal and do so in the proper manner.

I often found myself considering which opportunities I will take based on how everybody else is going to react to it. In many ways people often assume I will do certain things, or think that they know which opportunities I will take. Recently, I noticed this while planning our Africa trip. Initially nobody thought going to Africa was anything worth while. We were doubted by almost everybody, and put down for our efforts and attempts to make the trip possible. Others were angered that we did not do as they said and give up. However, because of this it only wanted us to go even more. We knew what we were doing, and recognized it as something positive despite the negative feedback. Every time we were criticized, both Aihelya and I, as well as some others would evaluate the issue by analyzing each of the individual actions that were taken. We were continually criticized only for the reason that we did not do as others said and give up because they did not see it of anything worthwhile for us to do now. Even my own dad thought I was wasting my time and money. Still we continued on, and finally accomplished our goal. Suddenly, now everybody is supportive that they can see the good for themselves.

Next is college. Things changed dramatically. I received my grants, made the grades, got the scores, and for whatever underlying reason was turned down from CalPoly despite the over qualifications. My first thought was that it was possibly the worst thing that has ever happened. I realized I had to start over and not limit myself only to the options that everybody else would approve of immediately. Ultimately I came to the conclusion that I would take online classes, and ultimately become a Navy Officer and head up engineering. My dad said I was stupid for “wasting an education”. Nobody seemed to realize until later, that this would allow me to do the traveling I have always wanted to do. The issue seemed to be that what I chose to do is so grand, and so far from meteocre, that nobody is even able to see the end, and therefore see it useless, stupid, or bad. Though I never really or genuinely considered the option to do college online, it is a very legitimate option as is for the Navy. What I recently learned how to do is to make sure that I achieve my goal, even if it is not how I initially planned so long as I accomplish the same or better. My goal is to become and work as an engineer, and travel the world. Through college, I will become an engineer, through the Navy I will both work as an engineer and travel, as well as gain the money to do more traveling and support myself and a family.

Through all of this, I have really started to prepare for anything else I might face in the future as I can never really plan the exact details of my life. I can set goals, and possible paths to reach those goals, but I should not limit myself only to those paths which are common, or favored by others. The only thing I can do is try to reach those goals on any path that is not tainted with evil. Sometimes we will get nice, clean, and straight paths; other times we must detour and use multiple paths, or follow a path even though it may look different from all the others.

12th Amendment

Girrelephant_Master@girrelephants.com (Michael Morales) — Sun, 7 Dec 2008 16:55:00 -0800

Importance & Justification

This amendment was added to the Constitution ultimately to better control who becomes President, and to protect from the electoral college completely manipulating the votes, as well as from giving one state more power than any of the others. If there is one person or incident that is most responsible for the formation and inclusion of this amendment it has to be John Adams a Federalist, and Thomas Jefferson a Democratic-Republican; both of whom were in the White House and the same time.

Though neither of the two actually pushed for anything such as the 12th Amendment, the result of their respective elections as President and Vice-President in 1796 created scrutiny over the method in which a President and Vice-President were elected. The primary goal of this amendment was that it prevent conflict in the White House as it would force the President and Vice-President to be of the same party.

Now, instead of choosing the President and Vice-President only by the two candidates with the most votes, there would be the introduction of Tickets and ballots which distinctly named an electors choice of President and Vice President. More specifically, before the 12th Amendment, electors would cast their votes, giving one vote to the Vice-President, and two to the President of their choice. This mean that there was technically only one position which one could run for as to be President someone just had to get the most votes, but to be Vice-President they would need the most votes over everybody but one person. After the 12th Amendment was passed, one could officially run for Vice-President, and would have to be on a ticket with a President. “With the 12th, Electors are directed to vote for a President and for a Vice President rather than for two choices for President.” (Mount)

Because of this a candidate is able to win the election with only 40% of all the votes as long as there are at least two other candidates, either of which hold no more than 39% of the rest of the votes. What happens is that the two big candidates go out, both run a strong campaign, and end up getting a lot of attention and drawing with each other, while the other guy ends up getting the rest of the votes from anybody who did not vote for the two major candidates, but enough votes that he has more than either of the two others. This also can happen if a party decides to spilt in the middle of a campaign and each run as their own party.

Furthermore, the 12th Amendment eliminated any reason a Vice-President may seek the death of a President as a way to instantly become the President. No longer did the Vice-President assume the Presidential position without they say of others. The 12th Amendment requires that if the President is to die, the Vice-President is to fill in for the President, but not become the President, as well as to be put on an electoral ticket.
In general this amendment really created the position of a Vice-President who has duties and is more than just someone to fill in for the President.

Recent Cases

In 2000, during the Bush-Gore election, 3 Texas residents, Stepehen E Jones, Linda D Lydia, and Caroline Franco, all held the position of Plaintiffs against the Governor of Texas, George W Bush, in order to change the outcome of the November 2000 election. They realized that both Bush, and his running mate Cheney were from Texas and on the same ticket, and that this was unconstitutional, as well as a way to keep President-Elect Bush from Office. "I don't think that these Founding Fathers ... had in mind last-minute shenanigans where someone could start discarding baggage just at the last minute." said Plaintiff lawyer, William Berenson. (Bravin)

The case itself was over having Cheney on the ticket with Bush; as Bush was without a doubt a Texas resident, and Cheney was though not a Resident, still living in Texas even at the time during the early parts of the campaign. What is problematic about this is that Amendment 12 prohibits both the President and Vice-President from coming from the same State.

It seemed that Cheney himself had realized this, as he shortly after the beginning of the campaign as he sold his house in Texas, and changed his drivers license to Wyoming, which is also where he owned a house. Along with owning this house, Wymong was the state where Cheny was born, married, and the state which he as a Member of Congress, represented for six terms. Infact he had moved to Texas only to become the Chief Executive Officer, of Halliburton. On July 21, 2000, Cheney declared that he would be returning to Wyoming. (Orin)

Ultimately, the appeal was taken to the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Where the immediate and one lined decision was that All requested relief is DENIED.

Works Cited

Bravin, Jess. “Obscure Texas case offers peek into Miers' mind”. Mail Archive. 9 Oct. 2005. 5 Dec. 2008. <http://www.mail-archive.com>>

Mount, Steve. “Notes on The Amendments”. USConstitution.net. 11 Oct. 2008. 4 Dec. 2008.

Orin, Kerr. “A Closer Look at Jones v. Bush”. The Volokh Conspiracy.8 Oct. 2005. 5 Dec. 2008.

Original Context

The Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves; they shall name in their ballots the person voted for as President, and in distinct ballots the person voted for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as President, and all persons voted for as Vice-President and of the number of votes for each, which lists they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate.

The electors will meet in the state the state they belong to, and use a ballot to vote for the President and Vice-President, the President and Vice-President cannot be from the same state; their ballots are to include the name of the President and Vice-President of their choice, each ballot will include a list of all of all the Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates as well as the number of votes each candidate received, the electors will then sign and certify these lists, and transmit the lists sealed to the United States government, directed to the President of the Senate.

The President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates and the votes shall then be counted.

The President of the Senate will, in the presence of both the Senate and the House of representatives, and then open all the lists to count the votes.

The person having the greatest Number of votes for President, shall be the President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed; and if no person have such majority, then from the persons having the highest numbers not exceeding three on the list of those voted for as President, the House of Representatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the President. But in choosing the President, the votes shall be taken by states, the representation from each state having one vote; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to a choice. And if the House of Representatives shall not choose a President whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the fourth day of March next following, then the Vice-President shall act as President, as in the case of the death or other constitutional disability of the President.

The person with the greatest number of votes for President, will be the President, this is a majority rule of the number of votes cast by all the Electors; and if nobody has a majority, then of the 3 candidates with most votes for President, the House of Representatives will immediately choose, by ballot, the President, During the election of a President, votes will be taken from states, each states representation will have one vote; there must be at least two-thirds of all the members present in order to vote on this, they will make their choice based on the majority of all the states. And if the House of Representatives does not choose a President when they are given the right to choose, on March 3rd the next year, the Vice President will act as President, such as in the case that a President dies or violates the constitution.

The person having the greatest number of votes as Vice-President, shall be the Vice-President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed, and if no person have a majority, then from the two highest numbers on the list, the Senate shall choose the Vice-President; a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the whole number of Senators, and a majority of the whole number shall be necessary to a choice. But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the United States

The person with the greatest number of votes for Vice-President, will be the Vice-President, this is a majority rule of the number of votes cast by all the Electors; and if nobody has a majority, then of the 3 candidates with most votes for Vice-President, the House of Representatives will immediately choose, by ballot, the Vice-President, During the election of a Vice-President, votes will be taken from states, each states representation will have one vote; there must be at least two-thirds of all the members present in order to vote on this, they will make their choice based on the majority of all the states. And if the House of Representatives does not choose a Vice-President when they are given the right to choose, on March 3rd the next year, the Vice Vice-President will act as Vice-President, such as in the case that a Vice-President dies or violates the constitution.

Article III

Girrelephant_Master@girrelephants.com (Michael Morales) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 21:28:00 -0800

Judicial Powers

The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behavior, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services a Compensation which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.

The United States judicial power will be held in the Supreme Court, and every once in a while, in other inferior or local courts. The Judges of any court will hold their Offices as long as they are not violating the law, during this time, their pay cannot be lowered as long as they are working.

Trial by Jury, Original Jurisdiction, Jury Trials

All Cases that affect Ambassadors, public figures such as Ministers and Consuls, or any disputes where a State is represented as a Party, the supreme Court will have original Jurisdiction. In every other Case other than these previously mentioned Cases, the supreme court will have Jurisdiction after the Case shall have passed through the lower courts, none the less this will all be done according to Law and Fact, with some Exceptions, and under certain Regulations the Congress may make.

The Trial of all Crimes, except any Case of Impeachment, will be done by Jury; Trials will be held in the State where the Crime was committed; when the Crime is not committed within any State, the Trial will be at any Place or Places that Congress decides on.

Treason

Treason against the United States, is defined only as levying War against the Union, or following the order of one's Enemy, or giving the Aid and Comfort. Nobody can be convicted of Treason unless two Witnesses Testify to this Treason, or one chooses to Confess.

Congress has the power to declare the Punishment of Treason, which will only be applicable to the felon themselves, and not be passed on to a family member as a way to complete a diseased felon's punishment.

November 4th, 2008

Girrelephant_Master@girrelephants.com (Michael Morales) — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 22:54:00 -0800

The 2008 McCain/Obama is a historical election. It was as many people said "a time for change". Not only would this election be remarkable because of the candidates (1st female Vice-President and 1st black President), but also because of the amount of people who would get involved in this election as far as voting.

Working the polls is something is not any type of knowledge which can be read about. The only way to really understand is to experience. There are many people who should not be voting, as well as those who are going out of their reach to vote. Election day is not only special because people can choose, but because just about any United States Resident that is over the age of 18 is eligible to vote.

For most, the day would begin as usual. This meant, setting up all the tables, unpacking the ballots, machines, and other variou supplies that each precinct was given. Tables were filled, signs were posted, poll were tags were handed out, and finally the doors were opened and the flag was put up: "The polls are now open". For some voters, this was just what they needed to hear as they grew impatient standing in line. The first person came in to vote, filled out his ballot, verified the ballot box was empty and then submitted his ballot. The first person to vote at any precinct is usually one who is eager to vote, and in this case was also in a very good mood. The next few voters followed, one who thought it would be funny to shout about how she should be able to keep the "cheap $1 pen" which she had used to fill out her ballot. Due to the way in which the woman spoke, this did not come off as a joke. Similar "acting skills" seemed to be observed at other various times of the day, though these random intervals were not acting, but sheer stupidity; or moments that gave reason as to how remarkable this particular election was. People of all ages came out this very November 4th. From a young student who had just turned 18 years old days before, all the way to an elderly woman at the age of 97. Two women, one a student asking to make sure she had correctly filled out her ballot, and the second, an elderly woman asking her daughter to read aloud the paper ballot. Though very different in age, and abilities, the two women shared something that could easily be observed throughout most of this very day. There was a great sense of pride that was shared, each recognized that as Americans they had the opportunity to voice their opinion.

Unfortunately not everybody shared this sense of pride, and ultimately had no clue as to what they were doing, but for some reason did know something big was happening. One 58 year old woman, was for the first time in her life voting. For others this was not the first time, but just an election they were anxious about. Regardless, this particular group of people was for the most part, not very well informed on what the issues. Some less knowledgeable than others, but all candidates at this particular precinct seemed to have it together pretty well. The day went on. For the poll workers this included greeting people, and then signing them in. Once voters were signed in, they moved on to the next table where students working the polls handed out ballots and voting cards. Activating the electronic voting card was very quick, and required little effort. On the other hand, the paper ballots were just as easy, but a bit more time consuming. The solution to this was to take out one pack of 25 ballots, and to tear both pages of the ballot off, fold the tab which voters would later take home, and then lay each ballot atop each other and slightly off set so they could be pulled from bottom to top easily, while still maintaining numerical order. Not streamlined the handing out of ballots, but it also allowed the students to assist voters who had any questions about filling out the ballot or obtaining a new ballot after they skipped the instructions.

It also allowed the student poll works to help voters understand what a provisional vote was, and how to cast a provisional vote. This meant explaining that it is of equal value to a regular ballot, and asking each person that they have filled out the envelop they put their ballot in before slipping it into the blue ballot bag. In one case it even meant reading each line on the envelope to a woman who had left her reading glasses at home. It was an easy job, but just a bit annoying due to the uniform process of explaining the same thing over and over for every person who had a provisional vote.

Eventually it was time for lunch, the polls remained open, but at this precinct did not flood in with those using their lunch break to vote. Each poll worker took their lunch, and the day continued, and eventually turned to night. Finally, at night people filled the room, breaking the dead silence, and pushing ballot numbers just under 1,000. One by one, each voter slowly came in and cast their vote. Most by paper ballot, some electronically, but all by 8. Counting the ballots did not take long, but was not all there was to do. The last thing was to pack everything up, and finally put the yellow ties back on the Sequoia AVC Edge Voting Machines.

Article. I. - The Legislative Branch Note

Girrelephant_Master@girrelephants.com (Michael Morales) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 21:45:00 -0700

Anything in parenthesis has been amended, the text in the block-quotes are the original pieces of Article 1.

Section 1 - The Legislature
All law given making powers will go to the Congress of the United States, Congress is to be made of a Senate and House of Representatives.

"All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives."

Section 2 - The House
The House of Representatives will be made up of Members who are elected every two Years by the People of the several State, the people who elect the Representatives must meet the requirement for being an elector.

Nobody under the age of twenty-five can be a Representative, they must also have been a United States Citizen for at least seven years, and when they are elected, they cannot be living in the state they are elected to represent.

(Representatives and direct Taxes will be divided among several States which may be part of the United states, the amount of taxes and representatives given to each state will be determined by population when adding the total number of free people, even those in the military, but excluding the Indians who are not taxed, and counting any other person who three fifths.) The actual count will be made within the first three years after the first meeting held by Congress, and then every ten years after that first initial count, these counts will by law be held in any style as directed by those counting.

In the case that a state for whatever reason needs another representative, they Executive Authority will give the rights to elect someone to fill that position as representative.
The House of Representatives will choose their Speaker and other Officers; as well as have the power to impeach the those chosen.

"The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.

No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.

(Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons.) (The previous sentence in parentheses was modified by the 14th Amendment, section 2.) The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five and Georgia three.

When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.

The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment."

Section 3 - The Senate
The Senate will be made up of two Senators from each state, (that are chosen by the Legislature) they will remain Senator for six years, and are given one vote during any type of decision or election.

Immediately after a person is elected Senator they will be put into the third of three Classes which compose the Senate, the Classes are equally divided as best as possible, the first Class will be up for election after two years, the second after four years, and the third after six years, this is done so that the one third of the Senate is up for election every two years; (in the case that a Senator resigns, during the vacation of any person hold an office in State Legislature, the Executive may Appoint them to the temporary position of a Senator until the next time the Legislature meets.

Nobody under the age of thirty can be a Senator, they must also have been a United States Citizen for at least seven years, and when they are elected, they cannot be living in the state they are elected to represent.

The Vice-President of the Untied States will be the President of the Senate, but have do not get any vote in the Senate unless they are put into one of the three Classes of the Senate.
The Senate will choose their Officer, and also a President pro tempore, the President pro tempore will assume the position of the President of the Senate in the absence of the Vice-President, or when the Vice-Preisent is filling in for the President.

Only the Senate has the power to try all impeachments During an impeachment, the Senate is under Oath. When the President of the United States is going through impeachment, the Chief Justice is in charge, and nobody can be convicted and actually thrown out of office without the majority rule of at least two-thirds of the Senate.

The worst punishment anybody impeached can receive is to be removed from office, and disqualified to hold and enjoy any other Office of honor, Trust of Profit under the United States: however this is no way keeps them from the possibility of Indictment, Trial, Judgement, and Punishment or other appropriate punishments according to Law.

"The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, (chosen by the Legislature thereof,) (The preceding words in parentheses superseded by 17th Amendment, section 1.) for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.

Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; (and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.) (The preceding words in parentheses were superseded by the 17th Amendment, section 2.)

No person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen.
The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.

The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States.

The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.

Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law."

Section 4 - Elections, Meetings
The time and location where the elections for Senators and Representatives are held will be decided by the Legislature of each State; but the Congress has the power to at any time alter these details, except for the location where the Senators are elected.

The Congress will meet at least once every Year, (the first Monday in December) unless they Lawfully choose a different day.

"The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Place of Chusing Senators.

The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall (be on the first Monday in December,) (The preceding words in parentheses were superseded by the 20th Amendment, section 2.) unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day."

Section 5 - Membership, Rules, Journals, Adjournment
The Senate and House of Representatives will be the judge of the Elections, and any Qualifications of their own members, each House will use majority rule to decide what will be the minimum amount of people required in order to do any business will be; but there will also be a smaller number that is the amount of people who can be absent from day to day, as well as sometimes do something about the Attendance of absent Members, in some way, such as to be given a Penalty according to the House they work in.

Each House can choose how they want to run things, and how Members should be punished for misbehaving, and as long as there is a two-thirds majority vote, even go so far as to expelling a Member from their House.

Each House will keep of Journal of everything that happens, and from time to time publish this journal as it is, except for anything that is Judged as something that should be kept in Secrecy; any decision that a Member makes about a question, may with the choice of at least one-fifth of those Present, can be entered into this Journal which can be published.

Neither the House of Representatives or the Senate, during a Session of Congress, will, without the Consent of the other, delay or in any avoid finishing the Session for more than three days, or continue in any other Place where both Houses will be present.

"Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.

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.

Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal.

Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting."

Section 6 - Compensation
(The Senators and Representatives will be paid by taking money from the Treasury of the United States.) No matter what the Case, except for Treason, Felony, and disturbing the Peace, a member of any House cannot be Arrested while they are are in the middle of a Session at their House, or going to and returning from the a Session at their House; at any Speech or Debate in either House, the Senators and Representatives shall not be questioned even if the Speech or Debate is held in a different Place other than the House of Representatives or House.

Neither Senators or Representatives can, during the Time they hold the position they were elected for, be appointed for a second government job that is under the Authority of the Untied States, otherwise the pay will be increased for working in both positions; and no Person working for the United States government, will be able to work as a Member of the House of Representatives or Senate will they still work in their other government Office.

"(The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.) (The preceding words in parentheses were modified by the 27th Amendment.) They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.

No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office."

Section 7 - Revenue Bills, Legislative Process, Presidential Veto
Only the House of Representatives can create bills to raise Revenue; but the Senate can choose to agree or disagree with any of the Amendments from the House of Representatives the same way they would any other Bill.

Every Bill that passes through the House of Representatives and the Senate, will, before it becomes a Law, also be presented to the President of the United States; if he approves of this Bill he needs to sign it, but if not he has to return it, with his Objections to the House that came up with the Bill, who will then record any of those Objections into the Journal of the House. After the Bill is Reconsidered and modified and two-thirds of the House agrees to pass the Bill, it will then be sent, revised but with all the Objections, to the other House, where it will be reconsidered, and if two-thirds of that House passes the Bill, it will become a Law. In every Case, the Votes made by the Members of the House will be determined by if they agree or not, and the Names of the people who are for and against the Bill will be recorded in the Journal of the House each Member belongs to. If any Bills passed and presented to the President of the United States are not returned to the House within ten Day -Not counting Sundays- , it will become a Law, just the same way as if the President of the United States were actually to have signed it, the only exception is if the Congress has decided to hold onto the Bill to prevent it from being Returned, if this happens the Bill will not be turned into a Law.

Every Order, Resolution, or Vote that the Senate and House of Representatives need to agree on -except questions about taking breaks during a Session- will be presented to the President of the United States; and before it takes Effect, will be approved by the President of the United States, or if disapproved, then re-passed by getting two-thirds majority of both the Senate and House of Representatives to vote for the Bill, as long as the bill meets all the Rules and Limitations required that are given in the Case of a Bill.

"All bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.

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 he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two-thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by Yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law.

Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill."

Section 8 - Powers of Congress
Congress has the Power To:

Lay and collect Taxes, Duties, required taxes or fees and taxes on materials that the whole country has, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general opportunity for prosperity that is offered by the United States; but all Duties, required taxes or fees and taxes on materials that the whole country has will be the same throughout the United States;
Borrow money on the credit of the United States;

Regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;

Establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;

Coin or print Money, determine how much it is worth, and the exchange rate for foreign money, as well as say what Standards of weights and Measurements will be used.

Provide for the Punishment of creating fake loans and money of the United States;

Establish Post Offices and deliver routes;

Promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by offering Copyrights that will last for a given limited amount of Time;

Constitute smaller Courts that are not as important as the supreme Court;

Define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offenses against the Law of Nations;

Declare War, grant proposals of war for a valid reason and attacking back for a single incident before entering war, and creating Rules about Captures on Land and Water;

Raise and support Armies, but no assets or money from this will be spent on the same exact thing for more than two consecutive years;

Provide and maintain a Navy;

Make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;

Provide the resources that the Military needs to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;

Provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the Military, and to control their life to the extent that they are Serving for the United States Military, sending those Serving to the States where they are needed, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Military according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

Be the only people who can create Laws, in a District like Washington D.C. -but in a District that is not over ten square miles- that meets that requirement, by giving up rights of particular States, and the acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to have and use the same power over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State just as, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings; And

Make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.

"The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To borrow money on the credit of the United States;

To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;

To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;

To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;

To establish Post Offices and Post Roads;

To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;

To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;

To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offenses against the Law of Nations;

To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;

To provide and maintain a Navy;

To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;

To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings; And

To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof."

Section 9 - Limits on Congress
Congress cannot:

Limit anybody which the States agree is suitable to emigrate into the Union, and those who do emigrate cannot be prohibited by the Congress before the year 1808, but there may be tax for emigrating, but it cannot be more than ten dollars for each Person who emigrates into the Union.

The privilege to prosecute without justification shall not be taken away, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.

Create Bill that takes away Civil Rights or is convicts for something that has previously occurred shall be passed and turned into a Law.

(No capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in it goes along with the Census or count herein before directed to be taken.)

Make a Tax or Duty to be laid on Articles exported from any State.

States cannot be favored in any way over another State: nor shall Vessels that belong to, or are from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.

No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, unless it is ordered or required by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money will be published from time to time.

Deem any Person noble by the United States just because they were born into a certain family or wealth: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, will, without the Consent of the Congress, accept any present, pay, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince or foreign State.

"The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.

The privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.

(No capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken.) (Section in parentheses clarified by the 16th Amendment.)

No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.

No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.

No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.

No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince or foreign State."

Section 10 - Powers prohibited of States
No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant proposals of war for a valid reason and attacking back for a single incident before entering war; coin Money; eliminate unpaid bills or loans; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill that takes away Civil Rights or is convicts for something that has previously occurred, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.

No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any taxes or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing its inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and taxes, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Control of the Congress.

No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.

"No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.

No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress.

No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay."