Article I Section 8 Clauses 1-4

Section 8 of our constitution lays out in great detail the powers of the Congress. These powers are limited to the ones listed, and those that are “necessary and proper” to carry them out. The states are in charge of everything else. (The Tenth amendment lays this point out in more detail)

Over time the Congress has slowly crept into the realm of what used to be considered “state matters” they most often do this by sighting clause three often called the “commerce clause.” They do this because so much of today’s business crosses state lines. In recent years however the supreme court has been in favor of states rights, limiting what Congress can do by sighting the commerce clause.

[1]The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States; but all duties, imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

[2]To borrow money on the credit of the United States;

[3]To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes;

[4]To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States;

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