Question

What are the powers of Congress? Define expressed and implied powers in your own words. Make sure to include what the Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause) states and what it gives Congress the power to do. Then, choose two congressional powers/duties and explain the power(s) in detail. Include a description of the power in your own words and if there are any limits to the power. a. Expressed powers are those explicitly stated in the Constitution, while implied powers are those not explicitly stated but necessary for carrying out expressed powers. The Necessary and Proper Clause grants Congress the authority to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its powers. Two congressional powers include the power to tax and the power to regulate commerce. b. Expressed powers are those inferred from the Constitution, while implied powers are explicitly stated in the Constitution. The Necessary and Proper Clause grants Congress the authority to make any laws it deems necessary. Two congressional powers include the power to declare war and the power to interpret the Constitution. c. Expressed powers are those granted to the President, while implied powers are granted to Congress. The Necessary and Proper Clause allows Congress to make laws only when explicitly stated in the Constitution. Two congressional powers include the power to appoint judges and the power to control state governments. d. Expressed powers are those related to foreign affairs, while implied powers are related to domestic issues. The Necessary and Proper Clause grants Congress the authority to regulate commerce between states. Two congressional powers include the power to veto bills and the power to impeach the President.

Answer 1

In the Constitution, expressed powers are explicit and implied powers are deduced as necessary. The Necessary and Proper Clause provides Congress with the authority to create laws deemed essential and appropriate. Two congressional powers, including taxation, and the ability to regulate commerce, were then discussed in detail.

Step-by-step explanation:

Expressed powers are those specifically stated in the Constitution, while implied powers are those which aren't explicitly mentioned but are accepted as necessary for the execution of expressed powers. The Necessary and Proper Clause, also referred to as the Elastic Clause, gives Congress the right to make all laws considered necessary and proper for carrying out its duties.

For instance, one of the congressional powers is the power to tax. The right to impose taxes is explicitly mentioned in the Constitution and affords Congress an important role in the nation's fiscal and economic policies. However, there are limitations to this power, such as the prohibition of taxing exports.

Another example of congressional power would be the power to regulate commerce. This power enables Congress to regulate trade between states, other nations, and between Native American tribes. The extent of this power is somewhat contentious and has been interpreted differently throughout history, leading to landmark Supreme Court rulings.

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