1. 11.4
The Work of Congress

2. Powers
Article 1
Congress shall have “all Legislative powers”

3. Specific Powers Levy & collect taxes Borrow $
Regulate interstate and foreign commerce
Coin $
Declare war

4. And…..
The “C” authorizes Congress to “make all laws that are necessary and proper” for carrying out those powers

5. Elastic Clause
Stretch powers to deal with anything that could not be anticipated

6. There’ a Catch!
Implied Powers must be linked to enumerated powers

7. ?
Enumerated Power = written in “C”
Implied Power = not written in “C”

8. And….. Congress can “check” other branches Checks & Balances
Fits with the Separation of Powers

9. Checking powers Oversight Confirmation Impeachment Ratification
Override
amendment

10. Enacting Laws Congress makes laws
Both houses must agree before it can become a law

11. Process Bill is introduced in either House or Senate HR # S #
Out of maybe 6000 bills….100 become laws

12. Page 207
How a Bill Becomes a law

13. Levying Taxes Power to Tax One of the most important powers
Tax bills must begin in the House
Relies on income tax
Taxes run the government

14. “Power of the Purse”
Appropriations are public funds allocated for a particular purpose by a legislature
Federal projects need $
Congress gives the $

15. Declare War Only Congress can declare war
Tension between Congress & President

16. Why?
President sends troop without permission from Congress……200 times……
Congress has only formally declared war 5 times
1941 was the last time

17. Meaning… We get involved in a lot of “undeclared” wars
Congress can “authorize” a military action…..
October 2002…joint resolution to use military force in Iraq

18. 1973 War Powers Act Limits President power for sending troops
Can send…..but if it’s over 90…Congress must approve

19. Casework Helping solve problems that involve the federal government
Social Security
Passports problems
Key part of a representative government

20. 11.5 State Legislatures Much in common with Congress Make laws
Represent the voters

21. Differences Shorter sessions Less staff Less pay
Term limits….(15 states)
Larger turnover rate….

22. Check?? Who makes the laws?
What is the President’s role in law making?
Who declares war?
What is the President’s roll in war?
We have a system of ______ & ______ and __________ ___ __________.