Which is a true statement about the power of congress.
A. Congress may overrule the bill of rights
B. Congress may pass any law necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers
C. Congress may overrule decisions of federal judges
D. Congress may overrule a presidential veto by a simple majority vote
The correct answer is B. Congress may pass any law necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers.
Now, let's explain how we can get to this answer.
To understand the power of Congress, it's important to refer to the United States Constitution. The primary source for understanding the powers and limitations of Congress is found in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.
Option A states that Congress may overrule the Bill of Rights. This is incorrect because the Bill of Rights is a crucial part of the Constitution that guarantees individual rights and protects them from infringement by the government. Congress does not have the power to overrule the Bill of Rights.
Option C states that Congress may overrule decisions of federal judges. This is also incorrect. The principle of separation of powers ensures that the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government operate independently. While Congress has the power to create laws, it does not have the authority to directly overrule decisions made by federal judges. Instead, the judicial branch, headed by the Supreme Court, has the power of judicial review to interpret and evaluate the constitutionality of laws.
Option D states that Congress can overrule a presidential veto by a simple majority vote. This statement is partially correct. Congress does have the power to override a presidential veto, but it requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, not a simple majority.
This leaves us with Option B, which is the correct answer. According to the necessary and proper clause, also known as the elastic clause, found in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, Congress has the power to pass any law that is necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers. This clause grants Congress the flexibility to create laws that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are essential for executing its other powers.