1. The purpose of Congress
Powers of Congress
The purpose of Congress

2. Review of Terms
1. Expressed Powers: powers directly stated in the Constitution (Ex. Borrow Money/Collect Taxes)
2. Implied Powers: allow Congress to do all things “necessary and proper” to carry out its expressed powers. (Ex. Create Federal Aviation Administration)
3. Inherent Powers: those powers that only the National government can carry out. (Ex. Control Country’s borders

3. Two Views on The Powers of Congress
1. Strict Constructionists: Think Congress should be very limited, and should only carry out those powers that are given to them in the Constitution. Believe the States should have more power. Quote: “government is best which governs least”.

4. Two Views on the Powers of Congress
2. Liberal Constructionists: want a strong central government that has lots of powers. Quote: “want an energetic government”.

5. Powers of Congress
1. Power to Tax: this is a charge by the government in order to carry out public needs.
In our country, we have a progressive tax (the more you make, the more the government taxes you)
We also, have an income tax (the government takes money out of each of our paychecks).

6. Powers of Congress
2. Power to Borrow Money: the government is allowed to borrow money in order to “pay bills”.

7. Powers of Congress
3. Regulate Commerce: the government can regulate interstate (between states) and foreign trade.
4. Coin Money: the federal government coins all the money in the United States.

8. Other Powers of Congress
War Powers
Treaty Power (2/3 of Senate)
Power to Impeach (House of Reps-Removal from office by the Senate)
Must approve of appointments by the President