Compare and Contrast How do strict constructionists and liberal constructionists differ in their attitude toward congressional power? Interpret What is the significance of the court’s decision in McCulloch v. Maryland, 1819?

Analyze Information How do each of the nonlegislative powers of Congress illustrate the principle of checks and balances?

Apply Concepts What is the Necessary and Proper Clause? Why has it been called the Elastic Clause?

Draw Conclusions Why is the Commerce Clause, written in 1787, still adequate to meet the needs of the nation in the 21st century?

ANSWER:
Compare and Contrast: How do strict constructionists and liberal constructionists differ in their attitude toward congressional power?
Strict constructionists and liberal constructionists differ in their attitude toward congressional power in that strict constructionists support a rigid interpretation; in this sense no right that is not expressly recognized should be awarded. Liberal constructionists support a broader interpretation.

Interpret: What is the significance of the court’s decision in McCulloch v. Maryland, 1819?
The McCulloch v. Maryland 1819 case was one of the most if not the most important first cases on federal power in the United States. The significance of this case being the Supreme Court ruling that the Federal Government had the ability to pass laws not written in the Constitution, which gave the Federal Government a great authority over the states. This gave them the ability to be immune to state taxes of the national bank, specifically in the case of Maryland taxing the national bank.

Analyze Information: How do each of the non legislative powers of Congress illustrate the principle of checks and balances?
By the principle of check and balances, it is reassured that any branch of government or political group concentrates power in its hands.
The Congress has the power to overturn Supreme Court ruling, impeach the president, conduct trials and remove officers from the other branches of government.

Apply Concepts: What is the Necessary and Proper Clause? Why has it been called the Elastic Clause?
The Necessary and Proper Clause allows Congress to make laws it needs to carry out its own powers. The Necessary and Proper Clause is called the Elastic Clause because of the implied powers. It is believed that government is assumed to possess without being mentioned in the Constitution.
Draw Conclusions: Why is the Commerce Clause, written in 1787, still adequate to meet the needs of the nation in the 21st century?
The Commerce Clause gives Congress the power to regulate trade with other nations. This is very relevant in the 21st century because we are in an era of globalization in which trade among nations is paramount for development. This is why nations sign trade deals, and the US is no exception to this. In fact, at the moment, the US is negotiating several trade deals, for example with China, a country that already has great economic power.