gov civics

Deficit financing

When the government spends more money than it collects in revenue and covers the shortfall by borrowing.

Declaring war

According to the Constitution, the United States can declare war when Congress formally passes a declaration of war.

Judicial powers of Congress

(1) The power to create and structure federal courts, and (2) the power to define federal crimes and set punishments.

Importance of the Necessary and Proper Clause

It allows Congress to pass laws needed to carry out its expressed powers, giving flexibility to address unforeseen issues.

Result of liberal constructionist view

The expansion of federal power and a broad interpretation of the Constitution, leading to increased government involvement in economic and social issues.

Exclusive Executive Powers of the Senate

(1) The power to approve or reject presidential appointments, and (2) the power to approve or reject treaties.

Expressed powers

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution, such as the power to tax, regulate commerce, and declare war.

Implied powers

Powers not explicitly stated but derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause, allowing Congress to carry out its duties.

Inherent powers

Powers that naturally belong to the government, such as controlling borders and conducting foreign relations.

Purposes for levying a tax

(1) To raise revenue, (2) to regulate behavior (e.g., tobacco taxes), and (3) to protect domestic industries (tariffs). Congress cannot tax exports or impose direct taxes unless apportioned among the states.

Reasons for foreign relations powers

(1) The U.S. is a sovereign nation, and (2) the Constitution grants Congress the power to regulate commerce and declare war.

Broad interpretation of "commerce"

It now includes virtually all economic activities, including transportation, communication, and labor relations.

Senate’s confirmation

(1) Presidential appointments (e.g., judges, cabinet memejection powers – bers), (2) treaties, and (3) ambassadors.

How Congress investigates

Through committees that conduct hearings, subpoena witnesses, and gather evidence.

Limits on commerce power

(1) Cannot tax exports, (2) cannot favor one state over another, (3) cannot require duties on trade between states, and (4) cannot interfere with the slave trade before 1808 (historical limit).

Indirect tax

A tax passed on to consumers, such as sales tax and excise tax.

Direct tax

A tax paid directly to the government, such as income tax and property tax.

Reducing deficit financing

The only realistic way is to cut government spending or increase taxes to balance the budget.

Reason for War Powers Resolution (1973)

To limit the President’s ability to send troops into combat without Congressional approval, ensuring checks and balances.

Patent

A government grant giving an inventor exclusive rights to their invention for a set period.

Copyright

Legal protection for creators of original works like books, music, and films, preventing unauthorized use.

Eminent domain

The government’s power to take private property for public use, with fair compensation to the owner.

Impeached Presidents

Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton; both were acquitted by the Senate and remained in office.

Congress’s use of Implied Powers

Congress uses the Necessary and Proper Clause to justify actions not explicitly listed in the Constitution, such as creating a national bank.

Electoral duties of Congress

If no presidential candidate wins a majority in the Electoral College, the House elects the President (one vote per state), and the Senate elects the Vice President.

Next step after impeachment

The Senate conducts a trial, and if two thirds vote to convict, the President is removed from office.