SMG LA 245 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5-5.4: Judicial Activism, Judicial Restraint, Commerce Clause
Document Summary
The constitution is a series of compromises about power. One method of limiting power was to create a national government divided into three branches, each independent and equal. Each branch would act as a check on the power of the other two, avoiding the despotic rule that come from london: legislative, executive, judicial. Bill of rights - comprised of 10 amendments - liberties to individual citizens. House of representatives is proportionate with a state"s population but each state elects two senators. Congress may impose taxes, spend money, create copyrights, support military, and declare war, etc. Interstate commerce: congress shall have power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states. = commerce clause: international commerce exclusive power. The federal govern- ment must speak with once voice when regulating commercial relations with foreign governments: domestic commerce concurrent power. Both congress and the states may regulate it.
