Question

The power of the federal government relative to the power of the states has increased since the ratification of the constitution.

a)Describe two of the following provisions of the constitution and explain how each has been used over time to expand federal power.
-The power to tax and spend
-The "necessary and proper" clause
-The commerce clause

Answer 1

The power of the federal government relative to the power of the states has increased since the ratification of the Constitution through provisions such as the power to tax and spend, and the commerce clause.

Step-by-step explanation:

The power of the federal government relative to the power of the states has increased since the ratification of the Constitution through two key provisions: the power to tax and spend, and the commerce clause.

The power to tax and spend is granted to the federal government in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. This power has been used over time to expand federal power by allowing the government to collect taxes and allocate funds for various programs and initiatives, such as infrastructure development, education, and social welfare.

The commerce clause, also found in Article I, Section 8, grants the federal government the power to regulate interstate commerce. This clause has been used to expand federal power by allowing the government to regulate a wide range of economic activities that have an impact on interstate trade, such as trade between states, transportation systems, and international trade.