The document outlines the different types of powers granted to Congress. Expressed powers are specifically enumerated in the Constitution, such as the power to tax, borrow money, coin money, regulate commerce, and establish rules of war and defense. Implied powers are not explicitly listed but are necessary and proper to carry out expressed powers, like establishing the postal service and immigration laws. Inherent powers are said to be fundamental aspects of government like controlling borders and acquiring new territories. Congress can interpret its powers both strictly, limiting itself to only what is written, or liberally, taking a broad view of what the Constitution permits. Non-legislative powers include investigating matters, approving appointments, impeachment, and electoral functions.

1. Powers of Congress
Some given by the Constitution with
liberal interpretation by Congress
(this should be a review)

2. Expressed Powers
• Article 1 of Constitution
• Specifically written in the Constitution
– Ex. Power to tax or borrow money
– Ex. Coin money

3. Implied Powers
• Powers of Congress not specifically listed in
the Constitution
– Necessary and Proper
– Ex. Military Draft
– Ex. Creation of the Air Force

4. Inherent Powers
• Powers said to be inherent to the ideals of
government
• Include power to control national borders,
acquire new territories, defend the state from
revolution

5. Strict and Liberal Interpretation
• Strict—must go by what the Constitution says
EXACTLY
– Best government is one that governs least
• Liberal—broad interpretation of Constitution
– Best government is one that is active

6. Expressed Powers of Money and
Commerce
Most expressed powers deal with
money

7. Tax
• Power is given by Constitution
• Over 90% of revenue of the Federal Govt.
comes from taxes
– 1. Direct—paid directly by a taxed person
– 2. Indirect—first paid by one person, then passed
on (manufacturers and consumers)

8. Borrowing Money
• Constitution allows for borrowing of money
• Until recently, the Govt. spent more that it
took in (taxed)
• Result—had to borrow money (deficit
financing) to make up the difference
• This deficit financing led to a very big public
debt

9. Commerce Power
• Allows Congress to regulate trade or interstate
and foreign businesses
• Congress may not tax exports or favor one
state over another

10. Coin Money
• Only Congress has the power to coin/make
money
• Money made by government is called legal
tender

11. Other Expressed Powers
Expressed powers not related to
money

12. 8 powers of war and defense
• Declare War
• Raise and Support an army/navy
• Make naturalization laws
• Establish a Postal System
• Set up Federal Courts
• Copyrights and patents
• Weights and measures
• Acquire, manage, and sell foreign lands

13. Implied Powers
Necessary and Proper Clause

14. Necessary and Proper
• “necessary and proper for the executing
expressed powers”
• Helps Congress stretch their power
• Examples:
• Establish Postal Service—punish mail fraud,
limit what can be sent through mail
• Establish naturalization laws—regulate/limit
immigration

15. Non-legislative Power
Non lawmaking powers

16. Non-legislative powers
• Investigate—look into anything that falls
within its scope
• Executive—give “advice and consent”,
approve presidential appointments
• Impeachment—bring charges against a federal
official
• Amendments—propose and call conventions
to propose amendments
• Electoral—elect a president (house) and Vice
president (senate) if no winner in election