Final answer:
The general responsibilities and duties of officers and petty officers in the U.S. Navy are outlined in the Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy, governed by constitutional provisions that establish civilian control over the military including the President's role as Commander in Chief.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general responsibilities and duties of all officers and petty officers in the United States Navy are detailed in the Navy's Regulations, specifically known as the "Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy." While there isn't a specific article cited in the question, it is the document which broadly outlines these duties. 
The U.S. Constitution provides the overarching framework and legal authority for maintaining and regulating the armed forces, including the Navy, as seen in Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power "To provide and maintain a Navy; To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces." Additionally, Article II, Section 2 establishes that "The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States." This setup ensures that the military remains under civilian control, upholding one of the key principles of the U.S. Constitution and reinforcing the importance of a structured command chain.