🏛️ Who Said I Could Do That?
Article I gives which branch the power to make federal laws...
What is the Legislative Branch?
The President can veto a bill passed by Congress. What can Congress do after receiving the President’s objections?
Congress can reconsider the bill, and it can become law if two-thirds of both Houses approve it.
Which Article establishes Congress as the legislative branch?
Article I, Section 1.
According to Article I, can a state create its own money by coining money?
No. Article I, Section 10 specifically prohibits states from coining money.
Congress passes a bill and sends it to the President. But because the President does not approve it. What constitutional process happens next?
The President returns it with objections, and Congress can reconsider it.
Congress has the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the states. Why does this power belong to Congress rather than being listed under Article II or III?
Because Article I establishes and lists the powers of the legislative branch.
The President nominates Supreme Court judges. Does the President have the final authority to appoint them? Explain.
No. The Senate must provide its advice and consent.
Find the constitutional evidence: Where does the Constitution establish that the President is the head of the executive branch?
Article II, Section 1: executive power is vested in a President.
Can a state enter into its own treaty or alliance with a foreign power?
No. Article I, Section 10 prohibits states from doing so.
The President wants to appoint a Supreme Court judge. Which two branches are involved in this appointment?
The President nominates; the Senate provides advice and consent.
Congress wants to create a law that is not specifically named in Article I but is necessary to carry out one of its listed powers. What constitutional provision could Congress rely on?
The Necessary and Proper Clause.
Why does the Constitution require Senate approval by two-thirds of Senators present before the President can make a treaty?
The treaty-making power is shared between the President and Senate rather than belonging entirely to the President.
A person claims that Congress has the power to establish lower federal courts. Is the person correct? Give the constitutional “receipt.”
Yes. Article I, Section 8 gives Congress the power to constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court.
Congress wants to create a federal law establishing a uniform system for naturalization across the United States. Based on Article I, is Congress allowed to do this? Explain why.
Yes. Article I, Section 8 gives Congress the power to establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization.
Congress and the Senate both approve a bill by the required process, but the President vetoes it. What would Congress need to do to make the bill become law anyway?
Two-thirds of both Houses must approve it after reconsideration.
A person argues that because the President is Commander in Chief, the President has the constitutional power to declare war. Based only on Articles I–II, what evidence could be used to challenge that argument?
Congress has the power to declare war and make rules for and support the military, while the President serves as Commander in Chief. The Constitution therefore divides military authority between the legislative and executive branches.
Congress impeaches a President. Does impeachment automatically remove the President from office? Explain the constitutional process.
No. The House has the sole power of impeachment, while the Senate tries impeachments. Conviction requires two-thirds of the members present, and the judgment can include removal and disqualification.
A President has been accused of committing “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.” Which Article should you look at to determine the constitutional process for removing the President from office, and what does that Article say?
Article II, Section 4. It states that the President, Vice President, and other civil officers can be removed from office through impeachment and conviction for Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.
Congress wants to spend money from the Treasury without passing an appropriate law. What constitutional limitation would apply?
Article I, Section 9 says money cannot be drawn from the Treasury except through appropriations made by law.
A President is accused of committing a crime that could result in removal from office. Which House begins the impeachment process, which body conducts the trial, and who presides if the President is tried?
The House impeaches; the Senate tries the impeachment; the Chief Justice presides over a presidential impeachment trial.
Congress and the President disagree over who has the constitutional authority to raise money through federal taxation. Using Articles I and II, determine which branch has the explicit constitutional power to tax and explain what evidence supports your answer.
Congress. Article I, Section 8 explicitly gives Congress the power to lay and collect taxes. Article II establishes the executive power of the President but does not give the President the power to impose federal taxes.
Identify two different examples from Articles I–III where one branch has power but another branch must participate before that power can be fully exercised. Explain why each example demonstrates divided governmental power.
Examples include presidential treaties requiring Senate consent; presidential appointments requiring Senate consent; presidential vetoes being subject to congressional override; and impeachment being divided between House and Senate.
Someone claims that the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in every type of case listed in Article III, Section 2. Use the text to determine whether that claim is accurate.
It is not accurate. Article III distinguishes between cases where the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction and other cases where it has appellate jurisdiction.
A state argues that because it is a state, it can independently declare war against another country whenever it chooses. Analyze that claim using Article I.
The claim conflicts with Article I, Section 10, which prohibits a state from engaging in war unless it has been invaded or faces imminent danger that does not allow delay.
DAILY DOUBLE!!
Congress passes a law. The President argues that the law should not be enforced, while a dispute involving that law eventually reaches the federal judiciary. Using only Articles I–III, explain how the three branches could each have a constitutional role in this situation.