Which article of the US Constitution grants Congress the power to promote the progress of science and useful arts?

The correct answer is found in Article 1, Section 8 of the US Constitution, which specifically provides Congress with the authority to promote the progress of science and useful arts by incorporating provisions related to patents and copyrights. This section states that Congress has the power “to promote the progress of science and the useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries.”

This legal foundation facilitates innovation by allowing creators and inventors to control the use of their work, thereby encouraging the development of new ideas and technologies. The inclusion of this clause reflects the recognition of intellectual property as essential for economic growth and creativity in the nation.

The other sections mentioned do not pertain to this specific power; instead, they cover different aspects of Congress's or the government's role in other areas of governance. Article 2, for instance, establishes the Executive Branch, while Articles 3 and 4 deal with the judiciary and state relations, respectively. Therefore, the connection to the promotion of science and useful arts is uniquely tied to Article 1, Section 8.