Aim:How does the Constitution separate and balance the powers of the federal government? Do Now: What are the main powers of the three branches? (Consult your “Powers of the 3 Branches” graphic organizer.)

LEGISLATIVE EXECUTIVE JUDICIAL

How a law gets made: The president or member of Congress presents a law to Congress for approval. Congress discusses the law and makes any changes it thinks are needed. The Senate and House of Representatives vote separately on the law. If both houses approve it, it moves on to the next step. If one house rejects it, it can be rewritten, or it dies The President approves the law. But the president may VETO (reject) the law.

The “elastic clause” The Constitution states that Congress has the power to “make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper….” (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18) Expressed powers – are specifically written down in the Constitution (e.g., the power to collect taxes, to establish a post office, to declare war). Implied powers – not stated specifically in the Constitution, but indirectly suggested by the “elastic clause” (e.g., the National Bank).

Power Grab # 1 President - A serious economic crisis takes place in the U.S. The President decides to run for a third term. (the Amendments) Congress - Congress passes a law taking a 10% tax on lumber being exported. (Article I) Courts - The Court rules that the government may not issue patents (copyrights for inventions) because of the need for technological advance. (Article I)

Power Grab # 2 President - The President declares war on China. (Article I) Congress - Congress passes a law that people from New Jersey may not drive cars in New York because of pollution. (Article IV) Courts - Since Washington DC is not in any state, residents there may not vote in national elections. (the Amendments)

Power Grab # 3 President - The President appoints Bill de Blasio to Senator Schumer’s seat when the Senator resigns due to a personal scandal. (Article I) Congress - Congress impeaches President Obama because he pardons an old friend from Chicago politics. (Article II) Courts - The Court rules that because of our large national debt, the U.S. can no longer borrow money. (Article I)

Power Grab # 4 President - To fight terrorism, anyone found guilty of hijacking will be punished by having their fingernails ripped off. (the Amendments) Congress - Congress decides that beards are illegal; anyone who wore one in the last year must pay a $100 fine. (Article I) Courts - The Court decides that religion and politics don't mix; therefore, no government official is required to take an oath of office. (Article II or Article VI)

Power Grab # 5 President - The President decides that Congress will meet in regular session on December 15 of each year. (the Amendments) Congress - Congress decides to impeach President Obama with the President Pro-Tem of the Senate presiding. (Article I) Courts - The ambassador to Spain is brought home and tried in a New York court for crimes. (Article III)

Power Grab # 6 President - The President orders that a mass murderer be sent back to New York from Florida. (Article IV) Congress - A House member dies, the House takes four days off to mourn but the Senate says they can only have two days off. (Article I) Courts - The Court rules that the heads of departments may no longer make appointments of inferior officers, but only the President of the U.S. (Article II)

Power Grab # 7 President - Justin Bieber comes to town and is given a ticket for double-parking his Lamborghini on Fifth Avenue. President Obama pardons him.
 (Article II) Congress - Congress passes a law naming 15 university students guilty of crimes against the government - orders them expelled from school. (Article I) Courts - A man slips while getting on a NYC bus and sues for wrongful injury by taking the case directly to the Supreme Court. (Article III)

Power Grab # 8 President - Your land is in the way of a federal highway, so the President takes your land without compensation. (the Amendments) Congress - Congress passes a law that says you can sue your state in federal court. (the Amendments) Courts - The Court rules that income tax is illegal and you don't have to pay. (the Amendments)

Power Grab # 9 President - The President orders that since all citizens over 18 want to vote for the President, they may do so by popular vote. (the Amendments) Congress - Congress decides that because of the contributions of Derek Jeter in baseball, they will honor him with the title, “Sir Derek Jeter.” (Article I) Courts - The Court rules that because of the difficulty in finding honest, law abiding, candidates they will allow Senator Kirsten Gillibrand be Secretary of Interior. (Article I)

Power Grab # 10 President - The President, concerned about drug violations in New York state, allows the Governor and Attorney General to suspend democracy for a period of one month. (Article IV) Congress - Congress decides to change the Constitution to allow the President to be elected to one term of six years. (Article IV or the Amendments) Courts - The Courts find Donald Trump guilty of treason on the basis of testimony by an unhappy ex-employee alone. (Article III)