Legislative+Powers+and+Limits

Provide the answer as addressed by the Constitution. If possible, include the Article and section of the Constitution where the information can be found.

[|Straight Outta Congress]

1) Why is Article I: sec 8, point 18, known as the "elastic clause"?

**Article I: Section 8: Point 18:  make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof. ** This is known as the elastic clause because it can be stretched like an elastic band to add any necessary laws needed for the government.

2) What powers are given only to the federal government and denied to the states? (Article I: sec 10)

Only the federal government is allowed to enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make anything coins, except for gold and silver, a tender in payment of debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post Facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, grant any title of nobility, lay any imposts or duties on imports or exports unless it's necessary, lay any duty of tonnage, keep troops, or ships of war in time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact with another state or foreign power, or engage in War unless the other countries declare it.

3) What are 4 specific restrictions placed on Congress? (Article I: sec 9)

4 specific restrictions placed on Congress are -They cannot pass Bills of Attainder or ex post Facto laws -They cannot draw money from the treasury -They cannot prohibit any migrations or importations of people, although they can tax them -They cannot suspend the privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus unless required

4) List 5 specific powers granted to Congress by the Constitution.

Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution grants the Congress numerous powers, such as:

The ability to "lay and collect taxes, duties, imports, and excises." "To provide and maintain a navy." "To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water." "To establish Post Officers and Roads." "To borrow money on the credit of the United Sates."

5) How often does the Constitution require Congress to meet?

The Constitution (Article 1 Section 4.2) states that Congress must meet at least one time every year during their two year term, with a year starting on January 3rd.

6) Who has the authority to set the "time, place and manner of holding elections" for Senators and Representatives?

In Article 1, the Constitution states that the time, place, and matter of holding elections are regulated by the states.

7) Where must all revenue bills (concerning collecting or spending money) originate?

All Revenue bills concerning collecting or spending money must originate in the House of Representatives