1. II. Power to Impeach

2. A. Process of Impeachment
Impeach – Formally charging a public official of a wrongdoing
“Abuse or violation of a public trust”
Federalist Papers #65, Alexander Hamilton
Congress has the power to impeach the president, members of the Supreme Court, federal judges, and cabinet members
British Example – Charges written in the House of Commons and trial is held in the House of Lords

3. B. What Happens House of Representatives writes up the formal charges
Trial goes to the Senate
Senate acts a jury and votes on whether or not they remain in office
2/3rds of the Senate must cast a guilty vote for one to be removed

4. Clinton Impeachment Trial

5. C. Famous Examples Two presidents have been impeached
1) Andrew Johnson
2) Bill Clinton
Richard Nixon – Would have been impeached for his involvement in Watergate but resigned first

6. Andrew Johnson

7. The Senate Trial 11 week trial.
Johnson acquitted 35 to 19 (one short of required 2/3s vote).

8. Bill Clinton

11. III. Powers Granted to Congress
1st Power
Power to finance government
Power to:
Collect taxes
Borrow Money
Pay for military defense
Pay the debt of the country

15. 2nd Power
Commerce Power – Power to regulate foreign and domestic trade
Gibbons v. Ogden (1824) – Gave federal government complete power over all commerce
New York granted Robert Livingston and Robert Fulton with a monopoly over trade in the Hudson River

16. Gave exclusive rights to their friend Aaron Ogden
Thomas Gibbons sued because he wanted to trade along the Hudson River
Supreme Court ruled in Gibbons favor because the commerce clause gave the federal government power over anything crossing state lines

17. 3rd Power Power to defend our nation
Only Congress has the power to declare war
Power to maintain the military
Power to draft American citizens

19. 4th Power Providing for national growth Allows new states to enter
Regulates immigration and naturalization laws

20. Next American State?

21. Elastic Clause
Elastic Clause – Congress has the power “to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper”
Implied Power – Congress has rights not mentioned in the Constitution that helps it fulfill its delegated powers