Powers of Congress

Powers of Congress

Making sense of Article I

Congressional Powers

• Congress has only those powers delegated (given) to it by the Constitution.

• Many areas of power are denied to Congress because it is silent on many matters and based on federalism.

• Congress cannot do anything that goes against the Constitution.

Types of Powers

• Expressed Powers (specifically written)

• Implied Powers (reasonably assumed)

• Inherent Powers (basic powers necessary for the govt. to do its job)

Understanding Implied Powers

Implied Powers

Imagine you were a chef tasked in preparing the food for a major banquet. You've already been hired for the job and told what to make. In order to accomplish your task - serving dinner - you would have to make decisions and execute them, ranging from what types of ingredients to choose to what utensils to use.

If every single decision was made by committee or needed oversight, the planning process would take forever, and you might not be able to get your own job done. For this reason, you would most likely have the final say on these details or the power to execute your own job.

Multiple Choice

What gives Congress its powers?

• Constitution

• President

• Supreme Court

• States

Multiple Choice

What is one example of how federalism limits the power of Congress?

• States can establish schools, Congress cannot.

• Congress can declare war, states cannot.

• States are allowed to tax.

Fill in the Blank

If the Constitution specifically gives Congress a power, it is known as an _________ power.

Expressed: Economic Powers of Congress

• Power to Tax - Raise money to meet public needs or protect public health and safety.

• Power to Borrow - Invest in public works, finance a war, etc. without raising taxes.

• Commerce Power - Regulate trade (buying and selling) with foreign nations and between the states.

• Currency Power - Sets up a national money system.

Other Expressed Powers of Congress

• War Powers - Declaring war, raising an army, etc.

• Naturalization - Make laws for becoming citizens.

• Judicial Powers - Set up federal courts; define federal crimes.

Non-legislative Powers of Congress

• Amendments - Congress can propose new changes to the Constitution.

• Impeachment - Congress can remove federal officers.

• Executive Powers - Confirm appointees nominated by the President for federal office; accept or reject treaties made by the President.

• Investigatory Power - Investigate to gain information for some legislation, oversee the Executive Branch, etc.

Your Turn!

Multiple Choice

A new tax is enacted which reduces the number of tax brackets and benefits for upper income families.

• Judicial Power

• Executive Powers

• Power to Tax

• Power to Borrow

Multiple Choice

A House of Representatives Committee hears testimony regarding possible removal of President Waddell in regards to a cover up.

• Executive Power

• Power to Impeach

• Currency Power

• Judicial Power

Multiple Choice

A treaty between the United States and Cuba is ratified which increases the American importation of cigars.

• Executive Power

• Power to Investigate

• Currency Power

• Power to Tax

Multiple Choice

After American troops capture the Philippines, rules are established for governing the nation until democratic election can be set up.

• Commerce Powers

• Power to Borrow

• Natrualization Powers

• War Powers

Multiple Choice

In 1988 three people ran for the Presidency. If the Electoral College were unable to give a majority of the votes to any of the three candidates, what power of congress would allow them to select the President?

• Executive Powers

• Power to Borrow

• Judicial Powers

• Currency Powers

Multiple Choice

The appointed Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court is confirmed.

• War Powers

• Power to Impeach

• Executive Powers

• Investigative Powers

Fill in the Blank

A treaty between the U.S. and Mexico was recently ratified.

Fill in the Blank

The money is changed so the dollar must be called in and the currency unit is changed to the duro.

Fill in the Blank

A law is passed which changes the number of Federal District Courts.

Fill in the Blank

A law is pending which increases the penalty for dealing drugs.

Fill in the Blank

A law is passed restricting the number of immigrants accepted into the United States for the next five years.

Fill in the Blank

Congress passes a conscription bill, which re-institutes a military draft.

Fill in the Blank

Congress raises the federal minimum wage to $30 an hour.