Congressional Powers Jigsaw Notes

Delegated Powers Article I, Section 8 lists the powers delegated to Congress. 5 categories

1) Financing Government Power to finance federal government. Authority to raise and collect taxes, borrow money, and

print and coin money.2) Regulating and Encouraging American Trade and Industry

Pass laws to protect rights of inventors Regulates trade with foreign countries and within the

states3)Defending the Country Power to declare war

Power to maintain armed forces4) Creating Lower Courts Congress set up system of national courts to uphold laws

passed.5) Providing for Growth Regulates immigration and naturalization

Power to govern country’s territories Power to admit new states

Implied Powers Power “to make laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers.”

Can do anything “necessary and proper” related to delegated powers

Ex: establishing academies to train armed forces Allows Congress to stretch delegated power- ELASTIC

CLAUSEImpeachment Powers Power to impeach federal officials charged with serious

crimes and bring them to trial. Impeach= to accuse an officeholder of misconduct. Officials are removed if found guilty Treason= act that betrays or endangers one’s country.

Impeachment Process Charges drawn up in the House of Reps If majority votes in favor of list of charges the official is

impeached Trial is held in the Senate Senate becomes a court VP acts as judge Chief Justice of Supreme Court if President is being

accused 2/3rds of Senate must find official guilty to be dismissed

from offices.

Two Presidents have been impeached

Andrew Johnson- not guilty Bill Clinton- not guilty

Special Powers

House of Reps

The House starts all bills for raising revenue House has sole power to impeach public officials House chooses president if no candidate has received

enough electoral votesSpecial Powers

Senate

All impeachment trials must be held in the Senate. Chooses VP if not VP candidate gets enough electoral

votes All treaties, or written agreements must be approved

2/3rds vote in Senate. Presidential appointments must be approved by the

Senate 2/3rds vote.

Limits on Powers- Congress can not

Passing ex post facto laws Pass bills of attainder- laws that sentences people to

prison without trial Suspend writ of habeas corpus-remove right of court

order, requiring a person be brought to trial to determine there is enough evidence to hold them

Taxing exports Pass laws that violate Bill of Rights Favoring trade of a state Granting titles of nobility Withdrawing money without a law