Infographic Explorer
The Constitution of the United States of America
Article I, Section 5
Introduction:
Article I, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution addresses the rules and procedures for the operation of Congress. It establishes that each house of Congress must determine its own rules, maintain a journal of its proceedings, and publish that journal. Additionally, it states that a majority of each house constitutes a quorum to do business, and it allows either house to compel the attendance of its members. This section emphasizes the autonomy of Congress in managing its internal affairs and ensuring that legislative processes are conducted effectively.
Actual Text:
“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 Behaviour, 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. ”
