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This copy of the Constitution and its amendments contains the orthography and punctuation of the originals.

Generally, the annotations to the Constitution cover cases decided after statehood only. On application of Constitution and laws of the United States to Hawaii between annexation and the establishment of the Territorial government, see Joint Resolution of Annexation and notes thereto, RLH 1955, page 13; on application of the Constitution and laws to Hawaii thereafter until statehood, see Organic Act and notes thereto, post.

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WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this CONSTITUTION for the United States of America.

Section 1. 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.