US law defines treason as a high crime that poses an extreme threat to the nation, a massive, dangerous betrayal. The Constitution of the United States, Article III, Section 3 states that treason against the United States shall only be committed against them or in response to their Enemies, providing them with aid and comfort.

Treason is the only crime defined in the United States Constitution. It was narrowly limited to avoid countless notorious past abuses perpetrated by governments.