1. Chapter 3, Section 2 Three Branches of Government

2. Objectives  Why did the Constitution specifically describe the powers of Congress, but remain vague about the powers of the president?  Which of the three branches of federal government seems to have the most power today?

3. Legislative Branch  Expressed Powers: directly stated in the Constitution  The Framers knew Congress would be the most powerful branch  Feared abuses of power  Enumerated Powers (Expressed Powers)

4. Enumerated Powers (Expressed Powers)  Numbered 1-18  Five deal with economics  Seven provide for defense  The rest are collected together  Elastic Clause  The right to make laws necessary and proper  Strict or broad interpretation?  McCulloch v. Maryland found in favor of the broad interpretation 1819

5. Congress Then and Now 1st held in New York  Moved to Philadelphia in 1790 and later D.C.  House met downstairs and the Senate met upstairs  Only 167 bills were introduced  Usually around 10,000 today  Attendance was part-time for many  They had other jobs

6. Executive Branch  Vague Constitutional Powers  Needed to carry out acts of Congress  Could prevent mass democratic movements  Keep the legislative branch in check  “The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America.” A “wild card” statement

7. Executive Branch- Specific Powers  Commander in Chief  Appoints heads of executive departments  w/ Senate approval  May pardon people (Except in impeachment cases)  Make treaties  w/ Senate approval  Deliver the State of the Union speech  Call Congress into special session  Meet with foreign officials  Commissions all military officers  Ensures laws are “faithfully executed”

8. Objectives Revisited  Why did the Constitution specifically describe the powers of Congress, but remain vague about the powers of the president?  Which of the three branches of federal government seems to have the most power today?