1. Powers of Congress

2. Powers of Congress continued Congress has the power to declare war Congress also deals with rules of naturalization. Naturalization is the process of someone of a particular country becoming a citizen of another country Congress controls the postal system and all laws pertaining to it.

3. Congress Powers Congress also deals with copyrights and patents A copyright is the exclusive right of an author to reproduce, publish, or sell his or her own work. Copyrights are good for an author’s life, plus 70 years.

4. Chapter 11 You would get a copyright on such materials as books, music, magazines, paintings, maps, sculptures, movies, etc. A patent grants a person sole right to manufacture, use or sell any machine or composition of matter. E.g. inventions A patent is good for 20 years

5. Chapter 11 Eminent Domain is the inherent power to take property (private property) for public use. The Necessary and Proper Clause gives Congress the power to do anything necessary in relation to the duties of Congress

6. Necessary and Proper Clause This Clause was used in 1790 by Alexander Hamilton who wanted to set up a National Bank. Through this clause Hamilton said it was “Necessary to the powers of taxing, borrowing, commerce, and currency.” Another name for this clause is the Elastic Clause

7. Chapter 11 Expressed Powers are powers that are very specific in the Constitution. Ex. Commerce, currency, etc. Implied Powers are not specific in the Constitution, but can be reasonably drawn from the expressed powers.

8. Powers of Congress… Elect a President ???? Sometimes Congress is called on to elect a President. If no candidate receives a majority of the electoral votes for the Presidency, the House must then choose from the 3 highest candidates. Each state gets one vote to cast. The Senate may have to choose a Vice President under similar circumstances.

9. Powers of Congress The House has only had to choose the President twice. Thomas Jefferson in 1801 and John Quincy Adams in 1825. The Senate chose Richard Johnson as Vice President in 1837.