Article III, Section 3 - Treason
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#A3Sec3The authors were concerned about the definition of treason. They
thought that it was used too broadly to define any dissenting opinions. Their new country would be much stricter about what
treason was, and how one would be accused and convicted of it.
Treason, then, is defined only as going to war against
the USA, or aiding the enemies of the USA. To be convicted, the accused must confess to treason, or be accused by two direct
witnesses of the treason.
The authors were also concerned that the person convicted of treason be the only one to suffer
for the treasonous acts. The Constitution explicitly that there may be no "corruption of blood," or that the children and
relatives of the traitor not be considered traitorous simply by relation; the "no forfeiture" clause basically means that
once the traitor dies, "payment" for the crime ends.
Go to this point in the Constitution. http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#A3Sec3
Section 3 - Treason Note
Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies,
giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same
overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
The Congress shall have power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but
no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.