This essay will ask you to discuss the idea of checks and balances and discuss the distinction between enumerated and expanded powers. It will also ask you to discuss whether you feel one branch is more powerful than the other, and for you to support your position using information provided in the textbook, videos and current event.
Please make sure to write “MY THESIS IS” IN THE INTRODUCTION AND CONCLUSION SO THAT I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE ONE.
address all of the following questions in the following order in your essay. You should treat each question as a separate paragraph. Note: make headings as you address each question/section (e.g. I. Introduction; II Enumerated powers per Articles 1-III; III. Expanded powers of Congress, President and Judiciary; IV. Checks and Balances V. Conclusion. Create headings! it will make it much easier to write!).
Final Question—-
1. (This is your introduction)–Explain the philosophy behind the framing of the Constitution (e.g., separation of powers, checks and balances, the idea of a social contract, etc.). Discuss which branch is the most powerful and why (this is your thesis). You need to refer to the readings (Chapter 1, 2, lecture notes) in this section.
2. Discuss the distinction between the enumerated powers/Constitutional Powers of Congress with that of the President with that of the Supreme Court per the Constitution (Articles 1, 2 &3). MAKE SURE TO USE THE ANNOTATED CONSTITUTION PROVIDED IN CANVAS (CONSTITUTION/FEDERALISM MODULE). Make sure to refer to specific Articles/Clauses from the Annotated Constitution.
3. Explain how Congress is able to expand its power. Identify two areas (cite Supreme Court Cases or legislation) where Congress has expanded its enumerated powers.
4. Explain how the Office of the President is able to expand its power. How have institutional changes influenced its power? What role does the bureaucracy play in allowing the President to expand his/her power? Identify at least two (2) additional powers of president that were not originally granted in 1787. Look at the text, it tells you why this branch has expanded so much!YOU SHOULD ALSO LOOK AT CHAPTER 18. How does President Nixon (Nixon by Nixon) view presidential power? How would you characterize the Trump presidency in regards to expanding Presidential power?
5. What are some additional powers of the Supreme Court that were not originally granted in the Constitution? How does the Judiciary Act of 1789 further explain judicial power? DISCUSS WHERE YOU SEE THE SUPREME COURT EXPANDING POWER OF THE OTHER BRANCHES OR INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS—Cite 3 cases that demonstrate the power of the Supreme Court. How does “legislating from the bench” influence the power of the Supreme Court?
6. Checks and Balances—How can Congress check the President and visa versa? How can Congress check the Supreme Court? How does the Supreme Court check Congress and the President? Finally, What role do the media or the people play in checking the elected branches of government?
