1. So what exactly does Congress do?
Powers of Congress
So what exactly does Congress do?

2. Types of Powers
Delegated Powers: Congress only has those powers given to it
Expressed Powers: Actually written down
Implied Powers: Assumed because of written powers
Non-Legislative Powers: Not related to making laws

3. Expressed Powers Textbook Page 760
Article I, section 8 of the U.S. Constitution states, “The Congress shall have power…” This article spells out the delegated or expressed powers of Congress.
Look up the clause number that you have been assigned and complete the following:
Clause # _____
Briefly summarize the clause using complete sentences.
Why is this power important?
Provide a real life example of this clause’s use.

4. Expressed Powers Examples Tax Borrow Money Fix weights/measures
27 different EXPRESSED powers in 18 different clauses
Examples
Tax
Borrow Money
Regulate Bankruptcy
Coin money, set value, punish counterfeiting
Regulate Foreign and Interstate Commerce
Patents and Copyrights
Set seat of national capital
Est. Post Office
Fix weights/measures
Regulate territories
Regulate Naturalization
Raise, regulate, and provide for Army and Navy
Declare War
Organize, arm, discipline, and call forth militias
Define and punish crimes on high seas

5. Necessary and Proper Clause
Implied Powers
Definition = not written in the Constitution, but assumed Congress should be able to do things because of specific clauses
Necessary and Proper Clause
“To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into executions the foregoing powers…”
Examples:
Commerce Powers
War Powers

6. Non-Legislative Powers
Constitutional Amendments:
Article V outlines how amendments may be applied
2/3 vote in House then ratified by states
27 total amendments
Electoral Duties
House of Reps acts as a tie-breaker if Electoral College is tied
Ex: Thomas Jefferson (1801) and John Quincy Adams (1825)
Also replacing VP, needs majority of both houses of Congress

7. Non-Legislative Powers
Confirmation:
Senate confirms any executive branch appointment or treaties
Ex: Woodrow Wilson and Treaty of Versailles (League of Nations)
Impeachment
Bring charges against an elected official (House) and try to an elected official (Senate)
Ex: Andrew Johnson / Nixon / Bill Clinton
Hold hearings, issue subpoenas