Unit 1 Free Response Questions and Answers

  1. Over time, there has been conflict between the president and Congress over their roles in domestic policy making. Develop an argument as to whether the president or Congress should have more power over domestic policy making. Use at least one piece of evidence from one of the following foundational documents: 

• Federalist No. 51 

• Federalist No. 70 

• Article I of the United States Constitution 

In your response, you should do the following: 

  1. Respond to the prompt with a defensible claim or thesis that establishes a line of reasoning. 

Congress should have more power over domestic policymaking due too its representative nature and need for checks and balances.

This argument can be supported by the importance of separation of powers as well as the Tenth Amendment. Which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the state and the people.

  1. Support your claim with at least TWO pieces of specific and relevant evidence. 

    1.  One piece of evidence must come from one of the foundational documents listed above. 

    2. A second piece of evidence can come from any other foundational document not used as your first piece of evidence or it may be from your knowledge of course concepts. 

                      Congress is composed of representatives elected by the people, making it inherently more accountable to the public's needs and desires. Federalist No. 51 states “In a free government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates.” This highlights the framers intention for congress to be the primary body responsible for creating laws that reflect the will of the people. With it’s bicameral structure, congress can deliberate and consider various viewpoints, ensuring that domestic policies are comprehensive and representative of the diverse interests within the nation. The tenth amendment reinforces this argument, as it affirms the powers that weren’t specifically given to the federal government are reserved for the state and the people. This amendment emphasizes the principle of federalism, allowing states to address local issues more effectively. By empowering congress, which includes representatives from all states, domestic policies can be tailored to meet the unique needs of different regions, promoting a more effective governance structure.

  1.  Use reasoning to explain why your evidence supports your claim or thesis. 

Concentrating too much power in the executive branch can lead to potential abuses. The framers of the Constitution were wary of a strong central authority, as evidenced by their past experiences under British rule. They designed a system of checks and balances, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful. By allowing Congress to have a more significant role in domestic policymaking, the possibility of executive overreach is lowered.

  1.  Respond to an opposing or alternate perspective using refutation, concession, or rebuttal.

Others may argue that a strong president is necessary for good decision making and an effective government, especially during times of crisis. The executive branch can still play a vital role in domestic policy through proposals and leadership, while congress still has power and authority to debate amend, and approve legislation, further ensuring policies reflect will of people.


Over time, there has been conflict between the president and Congress over their roles in domestic policy making. This paper argues that Congress should have more power over domestic policymaking due to its representative nature and the need for checks and balances.

Thesis Statement:

Congress should have more power over domestic policymaking as it better represents the will of the people and ensures a balanced government.

Evidence Supporting the Argument:

  1. Representative Nature of Congress: Congress is composed of representatives elected by the people, making it inherently more accountable to the public's needs and desires.

  2. Federalist No. 51: This foundational document states, “In a free government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates.” This demonstrates the framers' intention for Congress to be the primary body responsible for crafting laws that reflect the needs of the populace.

  3. Bicameral Structure of Congress: The two-house system allows for deliberation, considering various viewpoints which ensures comprehensive and representative domestic policies that cater to the diverse interests within the nation.

  4. Tenth Amendment: Reinforcing that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states and the people. This emphasizes federalism and allows states to tackle local issues effectively, making Congress essential in tailoring policies to meet regional needs.

Reasoning:

Concentration of power within the executive branch poses risks of abuse. The framers, wary of a strong central authority from their experiences under British rule, established checks and balances to prevent any branch from overpowering the others. A more significant role for Congress in domestic policymaking minimizes the risk of executive overreach.

Counterarguments:

While some argue that a strong president is necessary for effective governance and decision-making, especially in crises, the executive branch can still influence domestic policy through proposals and leadership. Congress retains the authority to debate, amend, and approve legislation, ensuring policies reflect the will of the people while maintaining checks on presidential power.