1. Powers of Congress p
Chapter 5, lesson 2

2. The Role of Congress
To “legislate” or to propose bills and pass them in to law.
Congress can make laws for all expressed and implied powers that are stated in Article I, section 8 of the Constitution.

3. Expressed v. Implied Powers
Expressed – clearly stated in Article I, section 8
There are 18 clauses
Includes: taxes, printing & borrowing money, regulate commerce, declare war, support an army and militia, immigration, patents, & govern DC
Implied – powers given Congress, although not stated in Article I, sec 8
Provide for all laws that are “necessary and proper” - also known as the Elastic clause
Post Office
Federal Ct. System

4. Other Powers…
Approve presidential appointees for: ambassadors, federal judges, and Supreme Court justices
House “impeaches” or accuses the President/Federal Judge of a “high crime or misdemeanor”
Senate: holds the trial and acts as jury
2/3 of the Senate must vote to remove a President or Judge
2 Presidents have been “impeached” but the Senate found them not guilty.

5. Limits on Congressional Powers
Can not forbid citizens from creating laws that interfere with… Writ of Habeas Corpus (unless invasion or rebellion) –a prisoner must be told why he/she is being held. Bill of attainder – which would punish a person without a trial Ex Post Facto – laws declaring that an act is a crime after it’s been committed. ***There are also rights that are for the states on (like regulating education) ***And checks on power like a presidential veto or a Supreme Court ruling on a law

6. Review: Qualifications & Staffing
Senate
30 years old
Live in the state
Live in US for 9 years
Average age: 62
House
25 years old
Live in the state
Live in US for 7 years
Average age: 56