Which of the following statements best hypothesizes why the Constitution provides for expressed powers?(1 point)
Responses
Congress needed unlimited power, so the Framers provided for that.
Congress needed unlimited power, so the Framers provided for that.
Congress needed the power to add amendments to the Constitution in the future.
Congress needed the power to add amendments to the Constitution in the future.
Congress needed the power to pass laws involving taxation.
Congress needed the power to pass laws involving taxation.
Congress needed sufficient power to govern, but not unlimited power.
Congress needed sufficient power to govern, but not unlimited power.
The statement that best hypothesizes why the Constitution provides for expressed powers is: "Congress needed sufficient power to govern, but not unlimited power."
To determine which of the following statements best hypothesizes why the Constitution provides for expressed powers, we need to analyze the options and understand the concept of expressed powers.
Expressed powers, also known as enumerated powers, are the powers explicitly granted to Congress in the United States Constitution. These powers are listed in Article I, Section 8, and include specific authorities such as the power to collect taxes, regulate commerce, and declare war.
Let's examine each option to determine the best hypothesis:
1. "Congress needed unlimited power, so the Framers provided for that."
This statement suggests that the Framers of the Constitution granted Congress unlimited power. However, this hypothesis is incorrect because the Framers intended to create a system of checks and balances to prevent any branch of government from becoming too powerful.
2. "Congress needed the power to add amendments to the Constitution in the future."
This statement suggests that one reason for providing expressed powers was to enable Congress to add amendments to the Constitution. While the Constitution does indeed provide for the amendment process, this option does not directly relate to expressed powers.
3. "Congress needed the power to pass laws involving taxation."
This statement suggests that providing expressed powers allowed Congress to have the authority to pass laws related to taxation. This is an accurate hypothesis since one of the expressed powers granted to Congress is the power to collect taxes.
4. "Congress needed sufficient power to govern, but not unlimited power."
This statement suggests that the Constitution aimed to provide Congress with sufficient power to govern effectively, but not unlimited power. This hypothesis aligns with the intentions of the Framers to establish a system of limited government with a specified scope of powers.
Based on the analysis, option 4, "Congress needed sufficient power to govern, but not unlimited power," best hypothesizes why the Constitution provides for expressed powers.