Chapter 8 Test: The Powers of Congress

1. Which of the following best defines "Expressed Powers"?

• A) Powers specifically listed to Congress (or the federal government as a whole)
• B) Congress has the power to collect income taxes
• C) Approve treaties made by President (Senate does this)
• D) Raise, maintain, and set rules for an army and a navy

2. All of the following are examples of Expressed Powers EXCEPT:

• A) The power to regulate commerce among the states, or interstate commerce.
• B) Power to coin money and regulate its value
• C) Power to set a federal minimum wage
• D) Power to set requirements for naturalization

3. The Commerce Clause gives Congress the power to:

• A) regulate commerce among the states, or interstate commerce. It has been expansive and wide-reaching over history
• B) regulate commerce among the states, or interstate commerce. It has been very limited over history
• C) place export taxes to raise revenue for the country
• D) order the liquidation, or sale, of the debtor’s assets, such as real estate or financial accounts

4. Which of these weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation was corrected by the Constitution?

• A) Inability to collect taxes
• B) Inability to create a unicameral legislature
• C) Inability to declare a law unconstitutional
• D) Inability to make an executive agreement

5. Which of the following is NOT a power prohibited to Congress?

• A) NO export taxes
• B) NO bills of attainder
• C) NO ex post facto laws
• D) NO restrictions on free speech

6. Over the years, why have many states had concerns about the Commerce Clause?

• A) They see it as taking power away from the states
• B) They believe it allows the federal government to go even further into debt
• C) They believe it increases racial discrimination
• D) They believe it increases the amount of illegal foreign trade

7. Which of the following is an inherent power of the federal government?

• A) set rules for bankruptcy
• B) Regulate immigration
• C) Borrow money
• D) Establish a postal service

8. What process regulated by Congress allows someone to become a citizen?

• A) Immigration
• B) Naturalization
• C) Ratification
• D) Conservation

9. What power does the Constitution specifically deny to Congress?

• A) Congress cannot regulate immigration
• B) Congress cannot regulate trade between states
• C) Congress cannot declare war
• D) Congress cannot tax exports

10. How does the Elastic Clause affect Congress' power?

• A) It makes it the same by reinforcing the powers granted to regulate interstate commerce
• B) It brings new policy domains into the picture by adding Congressional oversight powers
• C) It enlarges Congressional power by allowing Congress to pass any law necessary or proper to fulfill its expressed powers
• D) It reduces Congressional power by stating that any power not listed in the Constitution is reserved to the states or the people respectively