GC.15 Describe the powers of U.S. Congress, including: • Appropriations • Declaration of war • Commerce • Implied powers • Confirmations • Necessary and proper clause H

What am I learning today?

The powers of the United States Congress

Why am I learning this?

To understand how our Congress functions and how its powers impact the nation and our own lives

How will I know I learned this?

When you know US Congress’s various powers and how they shape the country we live in

The Congressional Appropriations Process: An Introduction

When considering appropriations measures, Congress is exercising the power granted to it under the Constitution, which states, “No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.” 2 The power to appropriate is a legislative power. Congress has enforced its prerogatives through certain laws. The so-called Antideficiency Act, for example, strengthened the application of this section by, in part, explicitly prohibiting federal government employees and officers from making contracts or other obligations in advance of or in excess of an appropriation, unless authorized by law, and providing administrative and criminal sanctions for those who violate the act.3 Furthermore, under law, public funds may be used only for the purpose(s) for which Congress appropriated the funds

2 U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 9.

Power to Declare War

Commerce Clause

The Interstate Commerce Act Is Passed

Enumerated and implied powers of the US federal government

Appointment confirmation process

The Implied Powers of Congress

ELASTIC CLAUSE

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Lesson 22 – GC24, GC25

GC.24 Explain the 2nd Amendment, and evaluate its various interpretations. P, T GC.25 Evaluate the Supreme Court’s interpretations of freedoms in the 4th through 8th Amendments, including: • Mapp v.

US Government – Lesson 19 – GC19 and GC20

GC.19 Analyze Article III of the Constitution as it relates to judicial power, including the length of terms and the jurisdiction of the U.S. Supreme Court. P C.20 Explain the

US Government – Lesson 3 – GC03

Graphic Organizer for this lesson: GC.03 Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. H, P What am I learning today? Our nation’s First Constitution, and why it