Week 5: The Powers of Congress

This week we went through Article 1 Section 8 of the Constitution, and discussed what specific powers Congress actually has to make laws. Some powers are clearly listed (enumerated), and some are left to interpretation (implied). Remember that anything the Congress does is subject to be scrutinized by the Supreme Court to ensure its constitutionality. Try out the candy trivia below to test your scrutinizing skills...

The hallowed halls of Congress (House of Representatives)


ASSIGNMENTS:

WRITING: Does Congress have too much power, or not enough? What additional power should they be given, or what power should have they taken away?

CONSTITUTION JOURNAL: Article 1, Sections 9-10

READING: Begin reading The Great Little Madison by Jean Fritz, due April 14th. 

  • Austen, Skyler, and Kyle will lead the discussion on this book. 
  • EVERYONE, remember to make notes on anything worthy of discussion as you read. Also, finish any of the other books that you haven't, yet. 

AWARD REQUIREMENTS: Don't forget to work on these! Most of them are pretty quick and easy. (This would be a great week to watch A More Perfect Union: America Becomes a Nation (1989), available for rent on Amazon or free on YouTube.)

CANDY TRIVIA:

On a sheet of paper do the following exercise: Beside each one of the implied powers listed below, try to locate a clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution that could justify Congress assuming that implied power. If you do not think there is justification in the Constitution for that power, write "no justification" next to it.

  1. Congress sets a federal minimum wage. 
  2. Congress mandates that masks must be worn inside of all public buildings and private businesses. 
  3. Congress establishes national parks. 
  4. Congress creates federal laws against pollution. 
  5. Congress makes laws regarding discrimination in employment. 
  6. Congress decides that televisions should have V-chips that enable parents to block certain shows. 
  7. Congress passes the Gun-Free School Zones Act prohibiting anyone from possessing a firearm in a school zone.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Make-up work for Shayla: Complete your Constitution Journal for Article 1, Section 8, and make a list of all the enumerated powers of Congress (there should be about 20), and note the two major implied powers. Watch the videos below for help.

https://youtu.be/pfaOUdQjCfI

https://youtu.be/WJOKU9ql85c

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