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Powers of Congress. Chapter 11. 3 types of Congressional Power. Expressed powers-spelled out in the Constitution Implied powers-suggested by the Constitution; those necessary and proper to carry out the expressed powers
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Powers of Congress Chapter 11
3 types of Congressional Power • Expressed powers-spelled out in the Constitution • Implied powers-suggested by the Constitution; those necessary and proper to carry out the expressed powers • Inherent powers-powers the Constitution is presumed to have delegated to the national gov’t
Strict vs. Liberal Constructionist • Strict: Congressional powers should be limited to expressed powers and implied powers that are needed to carry out duties. Federal Gov’t with very limited powers. • Liberal: Congressional powers should be interpreted in a broad manner. Federal Gov’t with strong powers.
Money and Commerce • Over 90% of the revenue of the federal gov’t comes from taxes • 2 kinds of taxes: direct and indirect • Direct tax-paid directly by the person • Indirect tax-paid by one person and passed on to others
Money and Commerce • Constitution allows Congress to borrow money. • Federal gov’t practiced debt financing, or spending more money than it took in and borrowing to make up the difference • Led to a large public debt • Debt clock/Current debt over 15 trillion
Money and Commerce • Congress has the power to regulate trade. • Also has the power to coin money. • Congress can make laws about bankruptcy.
Congress’s Expressed Powers of Money and Commerce • Money: tax, spend, coin money, borrow money, set bankruptcy laws • Commerce: regulate interstate commerce, regulate international trade
Expressed Powers of Congress • Declare war • Raise and support an army and navy • Make naturalization laws • Establish a postal system • Set up federal courts • Protect the works of writers and inventors • Fix weights and measures • Acquire, manage, and sell federal lands
Implied Powers • Originate with the “Necessary and Proper Clause” • Also called the Elastic Clause • Example: Constitution says nothing about education, but Congress appropriates money for education each year.
Nonlegislative Powers • House may elect a President if no candidate wins a majority of the electoral votes. • House has the power to impeach the President. • Senate serves as the judge for the trial. • Senate can advise the executive branch and approve appointments and treaties made by the President. • Congress can investigate anything that falls within its reach.