Which of these would be an example of an enumerated power of Congress?
Responses
A establishing a minimum wageestablishing a minimum wage
B requiring seat belts in carsrequiring seat belts in cars
C coining and printing currencycoining and printing currency
D making laws forbidding discrimination
C coining and printing currency
C coining and printing currency
The enumerated powers of Congress are specifically listed in the United States Constitution. To determine which of the options provided is an example of an enumerated power of Congress, we can refer to the Constitution itself.
Option A, establishing a minimum wage, is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution as a power granted to Congress. This authority is typically exercised by state governments or through federal legislation regulating specific industries or employment practices.
Option B, requiring seat belts in cars, is also not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution. This type of regulation is typically established at the state level, with support and encouragement from federal agencies.
Option C, coining and printing currency, is an enumerated power of Congress, stated in Article I, Section 8, Clause 5 of the Constitution. This clause grants Congress the power to "coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures." This power gives Congress the authority to establish and regulate the nation's currency.
Option D, making laws forbidding discrimination, is not a specifically enumerated power of Congress. However, Congress has the authority to pass laws related to discrimination under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3). This clause grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, which has been interpreted broadly to include the regulation of discriminatory practices affecting commerce.
Therefore, the example of an enumerated power of Congress from the options provided is C, coining and printing currency.