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1. The Legislative Branch is made up of which two houses? 2. Who has the power to declare war? The President or Congress

1. The Legislative Branch is made up of which two houses? 2. Who has the power to declare war? The President or Congress? 3. Who is the leader of the House of Representatives?

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1. The Legislative Branch is made up of which two houses? 2. Who has the power to declare war? The President or Congress

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  1. 1. The Legislative Branch is made up of which two houses? 2. Who has the power to declare war? The President or Congress? 3. Who is the leader of the House of Representatives? 4. According to the Constitution, who is the leader of the Senate? We all know they “ain’t go time for that,” so who is the one who plays the leadership role? 5. Which committee(s) is/are permanent and which is/are temporary? • 6. Why is gerrymandering against the law?

  2. Legislative Powers • Article 1, Section 8 spells out the major powers of the Congress. • The first 17 clauses list “expressed” or specific powers granted to Congress. • Coursin Definition of Expressed Powers: Thangs they gotta do!

  3. “Expressed” Powers • Examples of Expressed Powers: • Making Laws • Raising & Establishing a military • Coin money • Establish post offices

  4. Legislative Powers • Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 spells out “implied” (or assumed) powers • Often called the “elastic clause” because it gives Congress authority to do whatever is “necessary and proper”.

  5. “Implied” Powers • Examples Of Implied Powers: • To raise and support an army implies Congress can implement a draft • Collecting taxes implies that Congress could use the money to support programs • Establishing naturalization rules implies that Congress can limit the number of immigrants.

  6. Congressional Powers • Most congressional power is related to making laws. • It can also establish post offices, federal courts, raising & spending money, etc.

  7. Congress & Funding • To fund the U.S. Government, Congress has the power to levy taxes. • All tax bills are proposed or start in the House of Representatives.

  8. Congress & Trade • Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 gives Congress power to regulate foreign and interstate trade. • “Commerce Clause” is the basis for many of Congress’ most important powers.

  9. Congress & Trade • Examples of this clause: • Air Traffic • Railroads • Trucking • Radio / TV • Pollution • Stock Market

  10. Congress & Foreign Relations • While the President has the authority to negotiate treaties and deals with other nations, all must be approved by Congress.

  11. Congress & Foreign Relations • While the President has the authority send troops into combat for up to 60 days, only Congress has the power to declare war or create an army. • World War II was the last “declared war” in the U.S. (1941-1945)

  12. Non-Legislative Powers • “Non-Legislative” Powersare powers given to Congress to help “check” the power of the other branches. • These do not relate to the making of any laws.

  13. Non-Legislative Powers Examples: • Amendments • Approvals • Removals • Investigations • Impeachments

  14. “Impeachment” • “Impeachment” is formally accusing officials of misconduct or wrong-doing. • The House has sole authority to begin impeachment procedures.

  15. Non-Legislative Powers • Congress also conduct investigations into serious issues. • Organized crime, fund raising, Watergate, Iran-Contra, etc.

  16. Limits to Congressional Power • Congress can not suspend the “writ of habeas corpus” (court order requiring police to bring a prisoner to court to explain why they are holding that person).

  17. Limits to Congressional Power • Congress can not pass “bills of attainder” (laws that punish a person without a jury trial)

  18. Limits to Congressional Power • Congress can not pass “ex post facto laws” (or laws that make an act a crime AFTER it has been committed)

  19. What is the difference between “expressed powers” and “implied powers?” What are three powers that Congress has? If a president signs a treaty, who has to confirm it? Congress’ main responsibility is...?

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