Article 1, Section 5
Short Version -- This is a summary of the important issues covered in this section of the U.S. Constitution.
- A majority of the members of each house is necessary for a vote to be taken.
- Each house makes its own rules.
- Each house can punish its members and expel a member by a two-thirds vote.
- Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings and of votes taken.
- When Congress is in session, neither house can adjourn for more than three days or meet in another place.
Long Version -- This is the text of the Actual U.S. Constitution.
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.
