D11 Application The U.S. Congress has decided that they want to make community college available for free in every state, though at no additional expense to Americans; they will pay for it with the funds gained from a decrease in foreign aid (approx. 3 billion per year).

D11 Application The U.S. Congress has decided that they want to make community college available for free in every state, though at no additional expense to Americans; they will pay for it with the funds gained from a decrease in foreign aid (approx. 3 billion per year). Is this a good idea in theory? Why or why not? Can Congress do this? Be specific. Mention several powers/parts of the Constitution. See list of Congressional powers on slide below, along with other, potentially relevant portions of the Constitution What would Jefferson and Hamilton say (based on their 1791 bank perspective)? Review their letters from D11.

Examples of Congressional Powers, as outlined in Article 1 of the Constitution Pass laws (must pass w/majority in both Houses), which are then sent to the president; can veto a pres. veto to their legislation by 2/3 vote in each house Lay and collect taxes; pay the debts; borrow money; coin money Regulate commerce w/foreign nations, among states, and w/the Indian tribes Provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States Establish a uniform rule of naturalization (process for becoming a citizen) Establish post offices Promote the sciences/arts by securing for limited times to authors/inventors exclusive right to their writings/discoveries Declare war; raise and support an army and navy; call forth state militias to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrections, repel invasions “Congress shall . . . make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing [aforementioned] powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof”

Other Relevant Portions of Constitution

Hamilton’s Fiscal Plan Goal = get the nation’s economy on firm footing after the rocky years of the Revolution and Articles of Confederation 3 key tenets: Protectionist economic policy Assumption of state debts National bank Signed into law by Congress and Washington

National Bank—Jefferson’s Take If it’s not enumerated OR completely necessary to carry out the enumerated powers  can’t do it Bank NOT necessary to carry out enumerated duties Liberal use of the general welfare clause = dangerous Reliance on 10th Amendment Convenience is different from necessity

National Bank—Hamilton’s Take Government can do what it wants so long as the Constitution doesn’t explicitly forbid it AND it promotes the general welfare Implied powers = just as legitimate as expressed As long as there’s a natural relationship between the implied and expressed, it’s constitutional Bank = related to collecting taxes, regulating trade, etc., thus, it’s constitutional Liberal use of the elastic clause to promote the general welfare

Results of Hamilton’s Fiscal Plan Results  restored financial health of the U.S., increased foreign investment, established a stable currency, brought revenue to government, helped develop industries…but at what cost? Jefferson felt it established a dangerous precedent