[1 point] (Question 4): Which of the following statements BEST hypothesizes why the Constitution provides for expressed powers? Please explain your answer.
Answer 1A: Congress needed the power to add amendments to the Constitution in the future.
Answer 2B: Congress needed the power to pass laws involving taxation.
Answer 3C: Congress needed unlimited power. so the Framers provided for that.
Answer 4D: Congress needed sufficient power to govern, but not unlimited power.
The BEST hypothesis for why the Constitution provides for expressed powers is statement 4D: Congress needed sufficient power to govern, but not unlimited power.
The Framers of the Constitution wanted to ensure that the federal government had enough power to effectively govern the country, but they also wanted to prevent it from becoming too powerful and potentially abusing its authority. Therefore, they designed a system of expressed powers, which are specifically enumerated in the Constitution. This means that Congress only has the powers that are explicitly granted to it by the Constitution, and any powers not mentioned are reserved for the states or the people.
By providing for expressed powers, the Framers aimed to strike a balance between a strong central government and individual freedoms. They wanted to create a system where the government could address the needs and challenges of the nation, while also protecting the rights and autonomy of the states and citizens.
The BEST hypothesis for why the Constitution provides for expressed powers is answer 4D: Congress needed sufficient power to govern, but not unlimited power.
Explanation:
The Constitution of the United States was created to establish a framework for the federal government and clearly define the powers and limitations of each branch. The framers understood the importance of granting Congress the necessary powers to effectively govern the country, but they also wanted to ensure that the government's power remained balanced and limited.
By providing for expressed powers, the Constitution specifies the specific powers that Congress has the authority to exercise. These powers include the power to declare war, regulate commerce, coin money, and establish post offices, among others. The purpose of these expressed powers is to clearly outline what Congress can do and to prevent it from overstepping its boundaries.
The framers believed in a limited government, which is why they did not provide unlimited power to Congress. By granting Congress only the necessary powers to govern, the Constitution helps prevent any branch of the government from becoming too powerful and threatening individual liberties.
In summary, the hypothesis that answer 4D provides - Congress needed sufficient power to govern, but not unlimited power - aligns with the principles of limited government and the framers' intention to establish a balanced system of powers.
To determine the best answer, let's analyze each option and explain the reasoning behind it.
Answer 1A: Congress needed the power to add amendments to the Constitution in the future.
While it is true that Congress does have the power to propose amendments to the Constitution, this statement only addresses one aspect of the expressed powers. The Constitution provides for expressed powers beyond just the ability to add amendments.
Answer 2B: Congress needed the power to pass laws involving taxation.
This statement focuses on one of the primary reasons for the inclusion of expressed powers in the Constitution. The power to tax is specifically mentioned in the Constitution (Article I, Section 8), indicating that Congress has the authority to pass laws related to taxation. However, this statement alone does not fully explain the reasons for the inclusion of expressed powers.
Answer 3C: Congress needed unlimited power, so the Framers provided for that.
This statement is incorrect. The Framers of the Constitution did not provide for unlimited power for Congress. In fact, the Constitution incorporates a system of checks and balances to limit the power of all branches of government, including Congress.
Answer 4D: Congress needed sufficient power to govern, but not unlimited power.
This statement accurately reflects the intention behind the inclusion of expressed powers in the Constitution. The Framers wanted to grant Congress enough power to effectively govern the nation, but they also aimed to prevent an abuse of power by imposing limitations through the Constitution.
Based on the explanations provided, the best answer to the question is Answer 4D: Congress needed sufficient power to govern, but not unlimited power.