The framers of the constitution were not always specific about the powers granted to congress or the president.exlpain why
What do you think?
That it can be helpful because they don't know the power they have so they won't be able to mis use it but can also be problematic because they can pass bills that aren't necessary
No, I disagree with your answer. Did the "founding fathers" anticipate every eventuality, everything that might come up in the future?
No?
Then why did they make the powers and responsibilities of the executive and the legislature general and not specific?
The framers of the constitution intentionally did not provide specific and exhaustive details about the powers granted to Congress or the President for several reasons:
1. Flexibility: The framers wanted to create a living document that could adapt to the changing needs and circumstances of future generations. By leaving some powers open to interpretation, they allowed for flexibility in governance, ensuring that the Constitution would remain relevant over time.
2. Balance of Power: The framers sought to establish a system of checks and balances in which no single branch of government could become too powerful. By leaving certain powers ambiguous, they created room for negotiation, compromise, and shared decision-making between the branches.
3. Limited Government: The framers emphasized the idea of limited government, meaning that they did not want to grant too much power to any one branch or individual. Leaving some powers unspecified helped prevent the concentration of authority and protected against potential abuses of power.
4. Trust in Future Leaders: The framers believed in the abilities of future leaders to interpret the Constitution and make decisions in the best interest of the nation. They did not want to overly restrict the powers of Congress or the President, as they expected them to exercise judgment and act responsibly within the broad framework provided by the Constitution.
To navigate the ambiguity in the Constitution and determine the scope of powers, the following steps are taken:
1. Judicial Interpretation: The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution. Through landmark decisions, such as Marbury v. Madison and McCulloch v. Maryland, the Court has established important principles and clarified the constitutional powers of Congress and the President.
2. Legislative Action: Congress has the authority to pass laws that further define and delineate the powers granted by the Constitution. This includes creating regulatory agencies, specifying the process for impeachment, and establishing other legislative mechanisms.
3. Executive Action: The President, as the head of the executive branch, has powers and responsibilities that have been broadly outlined by the Constitution. Over time, presidents have exercised discretion and shaped the interpretation of their role through executive orders, proclamations, and other actions.
4. Amendments: If needed, the Constitution can be amended to explicitly grant or limit certain powers. Amendments, however, require a complex process that involves proposal, ratification, and broad public support.
By combining the expertise of the judicial branch, the legislative process, executive decision-making, and the possibility of amendments, the United States has been able to navigate the ambiguity in the Constitution and determine the extent of powers granted to Congress and the President.