Recent CRS Reports, Early-October 2013

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant: Responses to Frequently Asked Questions, CRS Report RL32760, September 27, 2013 (49-page PDF) Government Shutdown: Operations of the Department of Defense During a Lapse in Appropriations, CRS Report R41745, October 7, 2013 (37-page PDF) EPA Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Power Plants: Many Questions, Some … Read more

Amending the Constitution (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Amending the Constitution     How to Amend the U.S. Constitution     One of the ways in which federalism is most clearly expressed in the Constitution is in the process for its amendment. Nine of the thirteen original states were required to ratify the … Read more

Immunity (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Immunity (1) The constitutional privilege of members of Congress (Article. I. Section. 6.) to make verbal statements on the floor and in committee for which they cannot be sued or arrested for slander or libel. Also, freedom from arrest while traveling to or from sessions … Read more

Fiscal and Monetary Powers – Article I Section 8, Clause 5 and 6 of the Constitution

The United States Constitution The Fiscal and Monetary Powers Clause are two of Congress’ enumerated powers found in the Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 8., clause 5 and clause 6: (Clause 5 – Money) [The Congress shall have Power] To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix … Read more

The Constitution of the United States: Amendment 24 (24th Amendment – Poll Taxes Barred)

The Constitution of the United States: Amendment 24 (Twenty-Fourth Amendment) Amendment XXIV. (Poll Taxes Barred) Passed by Congress August 27, 1962. Ratified January 23, 1964. Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors for President or Vice President, … Read more

The Constitution of the United States: Amendment 10 (Tenth Amendment – Rights Reserved to the States and People)

The Constitution of the United States: Amendment 10 (Amendments 1-10 are known as the Bill Of Rights) (10th Amendment) Amendment X. (Rights Reserved to the States and People) The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the … Read more

The Constitution of the United States, Article. VI. Debts, Supremacy, Oaths

The United States Constitution Article. VI. (Debts, Supremacy, Oaths) All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation. This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all … Read more

The Constitution of the United States, Article. II. Section. 2. Civilian Power over Military, Cabinet, Pardon Power, Appointments

The United States Constitution Article. II. (The Executive Branch) Section. 2. (Civilian Power over Military, Cabinet, Pardon Power, Appointments) The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may … Read more

The Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 10. Powers Prohibited of States

The United States Constitution Article. I. (The Legislative Branch) Section. 10. (Powers Prohibited of States) No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of … Read more

The Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 8. Powers of Congress

The United States Constitution Article. I. (The Legislative Branch) Section. 8. (Powers of Congress) (Clause 1 – Power to tax and spend) The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all … Read more