Flexibility In the US System of Government The Elastic Clause The “Unwritten” Constitution

Elastic Clause To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof. What kind of power does that give our government?

When has the Elastic Clause been used? Creation of a National Bank Purchase of Louisiana Territory

“Unwritten” Constitution Unwritten Constitution Electoral College Promise Cabinet Political Parties Cong. Comm. Judicial Review Lobbying

President’s Cabinet Organize government Choose Department heads Decide which problems are most critical to the country Plan and EXECUTE policy decisions What is it and why does the President need it ?

Electoral College We vote for slates of delegates..that electors vote for the people’s choice. Delegates then vote for candidate who gets most popular vote. Do we really need the Electoral College?

Judicial Review Supreme Court’s power to review prior court decisions, and rule on constitutionality. - Marbury vs. Madison sets precedent - Supreme Court acted as referee and kept that role. - Grew out of need for checks and balances

Political Parties When did political parties begin to appear? Were political parties unavoidable? What role do political parties play in our system? Could we operate without them?

Congressional Committees Whose idea were they? Need same as President’s need for help - Whole body can’t consider all issues. - Congress people with interest in them serve on committees. - Serve to prioritize nation’s agenda for changes that might be needed.

Lobbying Is it slang for “Hanging Out” in the Capital? The act of trying to influence Congress. People need laws favorable to causes. Could only reach Congresspeople in the “lobby” of the Capitol Building