Powers of congress
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Transcript of Powers of congress
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7faOy5PcJ2c
THE FIRST DEBATE
Government is bound by the letter of the Constitution
Expressed PowersAnti-Federalists (Democratic-
Republicans) Jeff erson: “the government is
best which governs least.”What did the Jeff ersonians
want the government to do?
STRICT CONSTRUCTIONISTS
Government must rise to meet the needs of a growing nation.
Elastic Clause FederalistsHamilton: the country needs
“an energetic government.”Which argument wins out?What factors led to the growth
of government power?
LIBERAL CONSTRUCTIONISTS
What historical events made this power one of the most important given to Congress?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuhYRZRfTuY (Capital Gains Taxes)
POWER TO TAX
Tax:
Aside from raising revenue, what other reasons are taxes levied?
Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., Supreme Court Justice: “Taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society.”
WHY DO WE HAVE TAXES?
Only for public purposesCannot tax exports – Why not?Limits on direct taxes
Indirect taxes must be uniform
LIMITS ON THE POWER TO TAX
No limits on how much or for what purpose
The Debt Ceiling Statutory limit on the public
debt Can be raised by Congress
when needed Has been raised 68 times
since 1960 Why did the ceiling become a
political issue?
https : / /www.youtube .com/watch?v=lzcCoy JBMSU
(Debt ce i l i ng Reuters )
BORROWING POWER
What is it?
Common-place for decades – How did our country begin?
1931-1998 (all but 7 years)Budge surplus 98-2001 – Why?What events have led back to deficit financing?
http: / /www.youtube .com/watch?v=3ugDU2qNcyg ( John Green Debt L imi t )
http: / /www.usdebtc lock.org/
DEFICIT FINANCING
Regulate interstate & foreign trade
Gibbons v. Ogden, 1824 SC interpreting the Commerce
Clause broadly “Commerce” is more than just
buying & selling of goods Used to prohibit racial
discrimination in the 1960s
The Commerce Clause is arguably the most important part of the Constitution. Why?
ht tps : / /www.youtube.com/watch?v=8i I lVrzvCH8
COMMERCE POWER
Currency PowerProvides a uniform, stable monetary systemBankruptcy PowerSets the requirements for declaring bankruptcyForeign Relations PowerShared with the PresidentStates cannot act on matters of securityWar PowersOnly Congress may declare warRaise & support armiesThis power not what it used to be – Why?
OTHER EXPRESSED POWERS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiCilTzhXrA Michael Scott
Postal Power Is the post offi ce Constitutionally mandated? (Article
1, Sec. 8, Clause 7)Copyrights & PatentsProtecting intellectual property – Relevant today?
OTHER EXPRESSED POWERS
Elastic Clause – Article I, Sec. 8, Clause 18
“To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers and all other Powers bested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Offi cer thereof.”What does this mean?
http: / /www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSC0JAK2V88 (50 sec)
IMPLIED POWERS: HOW CONGRESS GETS IT
DONE
Hamilton urged its creation Jeff erson feared its creationDid Congress have the power?
https: / /www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy7FJ J_ud84
BANK OF THE UNITED STATES
States cannot tax the Federal government
No expressed powers needed to create a bank
Congress has the power to carry out the expressed powers
https : / /www.youtube .com/watch?v=8 i I lV rzvCH8
MCCULLOCH V. MARYLAND, 1819
Chief Justice John Marshall paved the way for an expansion of federal power.
Proposing AmendmentsElectoral DutiesImpeachmentExecutive PowersInvestigatory Powers
NON-LEGISLATIVE POWERS
To accuse of high crimes or misdemeanorsWho can be impeached?
Which body impeaches? (majority needed)
Which body tries?
Who presides?
17 impeachments & 7 removals from offi ce (federal judges)
Which two presidents have been impeached?
IMPEACHMENT
Clashed with Radical Republicans in Congress
Violated the Tenure of Offi ce Act of 1867
One vote short of conviction
ANDREW JOHNSON
Charges stem from an “inappropriate relationship” with an intern
Charged with Perjury & Obstruction of Justice
Senate fails to convict by wide margin
Clinton’s popularity increases as a result
http: / /www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClfpG2-1Bv4
(Cl inton grand jury test imony)
BILL CLINTON
Resigned 1974 Watergate – break in at Dem
headquartersBribery, perjury, tax fraud,
illegal campaign contributions, use of FBI & CIA against enemies
Obstruction of Justice, Abuse of Power, Failure to respond to Subpoena
Resigns in face of certain removal
Most serious abuse of presidential power ever
RICHARD NIXON
- All appointees must be confirmed by majority vote in Senate
- Which positions need Senate confirmation?
- In what ways has this process become politicized?
EXECUTIVE POWERS
On what issues has Congress held hearings?
Why are hearings held?Gather informationOversee Executive Branch agenciesFocus public attentionExpose questionable acts Promote interests of members of Congress
INVESTIGATORY POWER
As Senator, Harry Truman led an investigation to uncover fraud and corruption in army contracts during WW II. Saved $10-15 bil l ion.
TRUMAN COMMITTEE
Wisconsin Senator Joe McCarthy held hearings to investigate his claim of Communist infi ltration in the army. (Netfl ix – The Congress)
ARMY - MCCARTHY HEARINGS