The seven articles that make up the second section of the Constitution spell out how the federal government is to be structured. It also outlines its functions, duties, and responsibilities. Article I established the legislative branch of the government. It states that the laws of the United States are to be made by the Congress, which is to be composed of two bodies, the House of Representatives and the Senate. In addition to its legislative duties, the Congress has several other important roles, including government oversight, confirmation of high-ranking officials, and the power to declare war. Article II deals with the executive branch. This branch is headed by the president of the United States and is composed of a number of other government officials, including what we now call cabinet secretaries. Article III deals with the federal judiciary. It outlines how federal judges are to be appointed and confirmed and establishes the Supreme Court as the highest court in the United States. Interestingly, it does not specify the number of Supreme Court justices. For most of American history, there have been nine justices on the Supreme Court; however, this is due to tradition, not a constitutional mandate. Article VI is composed of four sections. Section 1 establishes that every state should respect every other state's laws. Section 2 deals largely with extraditions between states. Section 3 dictates how new states are to be admitted into the Union. Section 4 mandates that the federal government shall protect states from foreign invasion.
Article V deals with the amendment process. In other words, it sets out a method whereby the Constitution can be changed. There are two ways to amend the Constitution. One is via a convention of states. This method has never been used. The second way is for a proposed amendment to be approved by a super majority of both houses of Congress and for that proposed amendment to subsequently be ratified by three-fourths of the states. Article VI deals with several miscellaneous topics, including debt, treaties, and a prohibition on religious tests for federal office. Article VII specifies that only nine of the original thirteen colonies need to ratify the Constitution in order for it to be adopted.