Lincoln s Precedent. Nick Kraus. The American Constitution is arguably one of the most influential documents ever written; its direct
|
|
- Willis Garrison
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Lincoln s Precedent Nick Kraus The American Constitution is arguably one of the most influential documents ever written; its direct result, the most powerful nation in the world. Testing the longevity and vitality of the still experimental republic, the Civil War was an essential event in the history of the country. President Abraham Lincoln took the challenge of the war in stride, confronting the Southern secessionists with aggressive political and military offensives. Claiming secession was unconstitutional, Lincoln s primary objective was the preservation of the Constitution. Defining the Union as perpetual, the seceding states forever members of the Union and, as such, revolutionary under Article IV Section 4, he claimed that if destruction of the Union by one or by a part only of the states be lawfully possible, the Union is less perfect than before the Constitution, having lost the vital element of perpetuity. 1 Lincoln, associating the survival of the Union with the vitality of the Constitution, did not take his position lightly and proceeded to make a number of controversial decisions, including the suspension of Habeas Corpus and the Emancipation Proclamation, invoking his self-proclaimed right and duty as Commander-in-Chief in a time of war to supersede some constitutional governmental rights in order to protect the Constitution itself. While some may deem Lincoln s actions as a despotic abuse of power, in reality they were and are still entirely within the rights of the president to ensure the preservation of the Constitution and were entirely legally justifiable. Lincoln s efforts to expedite the federal legislation process were fully encompassed by his role as Commander-in-Chief and were necessitated by the extraordinary circumstances, serving solely to protect the Constitution in a time of crisis. However, despite his eventual victory in the Civil War, Lincoln s decisions did create a dangerous precedent which has been abused more frequently than most would care to admit. The executive powers vested in the office of President of the United States reside, in no small part, in his role as Commander-in-Chief of the military. No specific powers for this position are defined; it is simply stated in the Constitution that 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 actual Service of the United States. Without any specific assignments or restrictions of power we must consider the role of the Commander-in- 1 Lincoln, First Inaugural Address
2 Chief in within the context of the Constitution as a whole. That is, we must consider the general design of the Constitution to determine what the Commander-in-Chief may or may not do. In his address to some Chicago clergymen, Lincoln asserts, as Commander-in-Chief of the army and navy, in time of war, I suppose I have a right to take any measure which may best subdue the enemy. 2 As far as Lincoln was concerned, his primary duty was to protect the nation. Whereas in some necessary cases, restrictions were specified in the Constitution, many sections were purposefully written to grant vague or undefined powers. These sections have been found to be purposefully unspecific so as to foster the evolution and flexibility of the law. As with the broad powers found to be granted Congress by the necessary and proper clause in McCulloch v. Maryland, the open-ended role of Commander-in-Chief is able to access a broad range of authority in order to accomplish its goals. 3 As chief officer of the nation s army and navy, the primary goal of the Commander-in-Chief is military victory. Lincoln s assertion of power during the Civil War clearly falls in line with the vague, empowering words of the Constitution. It is apparent that, as Commander-in-Chief and leader of the military, the President is meant to secure victory (as any good general should) and ensure the safety of the United States and its people by all means available to him. The question is what those means constitute. The position of chief executive officer grants the President many powers, military might being one of the most influential. During a normal state of affairs, the powers of the Commander-in-Chief are limited; however, during a state of emergency such as the Civil War, these powers are expanded dramatically as the role of the military rises to the forefront of national affairs. In the Prize Cases, the Supreme Court clearly ruled that, a war may exist where one of the belligerents claims sovereign rights as against the other. As such, even without an official declaration of war or further military measures, a state of war may legally exist in the nation. 4 A time of war by definition necessitates military action of some kind, thrusting the Commander-in-Chief to the foremost position of power in the nation. Even Benjamin Curtis in his Executive Power admits in times of great public danger, unexpected perils may imperatively demand instant and vigorous executive action. 5 Curtis, however, believed that the Civil War did not constitute such an exceptional case and feared Lincoln would establish a system. Here he was erroneous. A war which has consumed the entire nation must be considered exceptional and, due to the rare nature of the event, will not establish a system of abuse of powers. Such a state of emergency, necessitating military 2 Curtis, Executive Power 3 McCulloch v. Maryland. 6 Mar Prize Cases. 10 Mar Curtis, Executive Power
3 dominance, is easily determined generally, as it would involve obvious hostilities. During the Civil War, the determination was even easier, given that the public voted for martial law. 6 Martial law, in assigning governance to the military, assigns the leader of that military, the Commander-in-Chief, complete control over state affairs, including legislation. Between his role as executive in a time of national strife and his martial powers, Lincoln had just claim to the full scope of his clout. As the most supreme commander in the military during a time of war, the President is provided extensive powers, given that it is his bounden duty to put down the insurrection the means and instruments to suppress it are lawfully in his hands. 7 The executive powers are not specifically defined by the Constitution, as they are designed to protect the Constitution. The document could not be protected under extreme circumstances if the compromised law itself defined the manner in which protection should be achieved. Furthermore, measures meant to restrain governmental power may, in times of crisis, actually hinder the defense of the very document they are meant to uphold. The sole point where the Constitution mentions its own defense is in Article II in the presidential oath, where the executive officer is sworn to execute the office of President and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. In the oath, the executive duties of the President and the protection of the Constitution are separated; they are two independent tasks. As such, the defense of the nation, of the very document declaring these laws, cannot be restrained by any limitations on the executive branch, but must be considered an additional duty of the office of the President. The oath mandates that in a time of emergency, it is the responsibility of the President to ensure the survival of the Constitution. Lincoln, along with many other Americans, was convinced that Southern secession was unconstitutional. In his First Inaugural Address, Lincoln states, One part to a contract may violate it break it, so to speak but does it not require all to lawfully rescind it? 8 Since the Constitution had already been defied, extraordinary measures were both allowable and needed in order to maintain the contract. Had the intention been to enforce strict adherence to a set of guidelines in a time of crisis, an entire constitutional article would have been written outlining emergency powers of the government. As this was not the case, we are left only with the tasking of the matter to the President in his oath. Due to the lack of any indication of restrictions pertaining to this charge, it must be assumed that, in these times of necessity, the President is granted access to the full force of 6 Benjamin A. Kleinerman Lincoln s Example: Executive Power and the Survival of Constitutionalism. Perspectives on Politics 3.04 (2005): Bates, Opinion on the Suspension of Habeas Corpus 8 Lincoln, First Inaugural Address
4 governmental power in order to defend the Constitution of the United States. Thus far it is clear that President Lincoln, due to the extraordinary nature of the Civil War, properly utilized his executive and military powers in order to preserve the Constitution and the nation. Opposition to these points has been raised on the grounds that Lincoln far overstepped his abilities as President, encroaching on those of Congress, and that the precedent Lincoln established provides the President with grounds for near dictatorial power. While there is cause to fear the standard put in place by Lincoln, the powers called upon by the President are clearly within his dominion. The cases of Ex parte Merryman and Ex parte Milligan are prime examples of the claims that Lincoln overextended executive power. Addressing the suspension of Habeas Corpus, Merryman claims that the power lies with Congress only. Milligan states that martial law, such as was declared along with the suspension, cannot exist where civil courts are operating. The argument laid out above supports the fact that the President, in a time of crisis, must act as Commander-in-Chief and act in the defense of the nation. The ability to achieve such a goal lies not only in military strength, but also in political force. The suspension of Habeas Corpus was directly related to the defense of the nation because it expanded the power of the courts to punish confederates and their sympathizers. As Bates states, it is a power necessary to the peace and safety of the country. 9 The President, as Commander-in-Chief, is best suited to make such decisions as he is directly tasked with matters of war and national defense. Furthermore, in order to more directly address Milligan, it is necessary to understand the extraordinary nature of the Civil War. Powers such as revoking Habeas Corpus may easily be considered unnecessary in an ordinary war; however, the Civil War, which encompassed the entire nation, was no ordinary war. Though Lincoln claimed his actions were necessary, it is impossible to determine, even in retrospect, whether certain decisions were truly necessary. Had he avoided making any of these controversial decisions, the war may still have been won by the Union. As such, while his ability to claim such extensive powers is clear, Lincoln did set a bad precedent with his wartime decisions. As Curtis puts it in Executive Power, The uses of power, even in despotic monarchies, are more or less controlled by usages and customs. 10 The times were desperate and, as such, it may have seemed to Lincoln that his only option was an extreme extension of executive power. Lincoln reiterates time and time again the importance of his necessity test, even going so far as to [imply] that this standard, rather than popular opinion, will better limit the spread of martial law. 11 These warning are not sufficient, though; as Kleinerman goes on to write, the public is not sufficiently aware of 9 Bates, Opinion on the Suspension of Habeas Corpus 10 Curtis, Executive Power 11 Kleinerman, Lincoln s Example
5 constitutionalism to act as the necessary electoral deterrent to the abuse of these powers and, without this check, the definition of necessary has been stretched to its limits. Using the example of 9/11 and the detainment of suspected terrorists, Kleinerman asserts that the powers of the executive branch have been stretched to their limit. As opposed to the definite crisis that was the Civil War, the war on terror is formless on all fronts, lacking a foreseeable end and a clear enemy. Thus the necessity test is insufficient to prevent the abuse of these powers, as Lincoln had hoped. While they may have seemed necessary at the time, it is unclear whether the benefit was worth the current cost of constitutional indiscretion. The powers of the President, acting as Commander-in-Chief in a time of war, are extensive so as to provide for the defense of the nation. In extreme circumstances where the Constitution itself is threatened, these powers are expanded from simply military and executive authority to encompass the entire weight of governmental authority. These powers may not be expressly in opposition to constitutional law; however, they do encompass the entirety of federal power expressed in the Constitution. As, in a time of peace, Congress has the power to pass such legislation as the Emancipation Proclamation and to suspend Habeas Corpus, it follows that, in a time of constitutional crisis, the President gains these powers for the sake of practicality. Emergencies call for action, not deliberation, and it is the sole duty of the executive to ensure the Constitution survives such emergencies as the Civil War. This being said, Lincoln should not have been so quick to invoke his emergency powers as the precedents he set have had severely negative consequences in current governmental decisions. As was feared by the Founding Fathers, the executive has begun to increasingly exercise power to influence governmental affairs and lessen the importance of Congress. The necessity test may have seemed effective to Lincoln; however, it established a precedent which, while clear to Lincoln, has increased the temptation to abuse executive power.
Supreme Law of the Land. Abraham Lincoln is one of the most celebrated Presidents in American history. At a time
Christine Pattison MC 373B Final Paper Supreme Law of the Land Abraham Lincoln is one of the most celebrated Presidents in American history. At a time where the country was threating to tear itself apart,
More informationConstitutional Law Spring 2018 Hybrid A+ Answer. Part 1
Constitutional Law Spring 2018 Hybrid A+ Answer Part 1 Question #1 (a) First the Constitution requires that either 2/3rds of Congress or the State Legislatures to call for an amendment. This removes the
More informationThe Bill of Rights Institute
Constitutional Connection 48 Overview The Great Writ or habeas corpus has been an essential civil libert guaranteed since Magna Carta. In listing powers denied to Congress, the Constitution notes that
More informationSSUSH 9 The student will identify key events, issues, and individuals relating to the causes, course, and consequences of the Civil War.
SSUSH 9 The student will identify key events, issues, and individuals relating to the causes, course, and consequences of the Civil War. Stephen Douglas of Illinois proposes Repeals Missouri Compromise
More information[ 3.1 ] An Overview of the Constitution
[ 3.1 ] An Overview of the Constitution [ 3.1 ] An Overview of the Constitution Learning Objectives Understand the basic outline of the Constitution. Understand the basic principles of the Constitution:
More informationGP210 American Government. VIP - Week 7. Lectures:
GP210 American Government VIP - Week 7 Lectures: In this week you will investigate the decisions of three early American presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln and their influence
More informationChapter 15: Secession and the Civil War
Chapter 15: Secession and the Civil War AP United States History Week of February 3, 2016 The Storm Gathers Secession of Deep South While the election of Abraham Lincoln (pictured) prompted secession of
More informationThe security of the nation and the protection of civil liberties are essential
5 Civil Liberties and the Civil War Ex parte Milligan (1866) The security of the nation and the protection of civil liberties are essential goals of government in the United States. The Preamble to the
More informationUnit One: Civil War & Reconstruction. Mr. Mattingly U.S. History
Unit One: Civil War & Reconstruction Mr. Mattingly U.S. History Background of the United States: Nation of Immigrants Motives: Religion or Economic Opportunity Common Belief: Self-Government Valued Individual
More informationName: Class: Date: STUDY GUIDE - CHAPTER 03 TEST: Federalism
Name: Class: Date: STUDY GUIDE - CHAPTER 03 TEST: Federalism Multiple Choice 1. The primary reason that the Framers chose to unify the country was that a. unions allow for smaller entities to pool their
More informationThe South Secedes By USHistory.org 2016
Name: Class: The South Secedes By USHistory.org 2016 This text details the official start of the American Civil War, fought between the northern and southern states of the United States from 1861 to 1865.
More informationWilliams College Law Journal
Williams College Law Journal Vol. 1, Ed. 1 Photo credit: Jessica de la Cuesta Model: Nari Miller Letter from the Editor Dear Readers, It is with great pleasure that I give you the first issue of the Williams
More informationConstitutional Foundations
CHAPTER 2 Constitutional Foundations CHAPTER OUTLINE I. The Setting for Constitutional Change II. The Framers III. The Roots of the Constitution A. The British Constitutional Heritage B. The Colonial Heritage
More informationChapter 9 - The Constitution: A More Perfect Union
Chapter 9 - The Constitution: A More Perfect Union 9.1 - Introduction When the delegates left Independence Hall in September 1787, they each carried a copy of the Constitution. Their task now was to convince
More informationInherent Power of the President to Seize Property
Catholic University Law Review Volume 3 Issue 1 Article 4 1953 Inherent Power of the President to Seize Property Donald J. Letizia Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarship.law.edu/lawreview
More informationKNOW YOUR CONSTITUTION EXAM. 1. The legislative powers of the Federal Government are vested in the:
2014-2015 KNOW YOUR CONSTITUTION EXAM 1. The legislative powers of the Federal Government are vested in the: a. Congress b. President c. Supreme Court 2. What is the minimum age a person must be to serve
More informationThe Structure and Functions of the Government
The Structure and Functions of the Government The United States of America is a democratic republic or an indirect government. In definition, it means that when the people vote, they give the power to
More informationChapter 11:3: Implied Powers:
Chapter 11:3: Implied Powers: o Students will examine the reasons why the framers included the necessary and proper clause. o Students will examine the necessary and proper clause. (Rom 13:7) Render therefore
More informationChapter 15 Toward Civil War ( ) Section 4 Secession and War
Chapter 15 Toward Civil War (1840-1861) Section 4 Secession and War Rate your agreement with the following statement: States should be allowed to leave the Union if they disagree with the policies of the
More informationThe Legislative Branch. Article I Congress
The Legislative Branch Article I Congress Essential Question EQ: How does Article I of the US Constitution define and enable the administration of legislative powers? Standards Content Standard 2: The
More informationMagruder s American Government
Presentation Pro Magruder s American Government C H A P T E R 11 Powers of Congress 2001 by Prentice Hall, Inc. C H A P T E R 11 Powers of Congress SECTION 1 The Scope of Congressional Powers SECTION 2
More informationAbraham Lincoln Honest Abe.
Abraham Lincoln Taken from American Bar Association Division for Public Education. Dialogue on Lincoln, A Legacy of Liberty 2009 American Bar Association Abraham Lincoln did not look like a presidential
More informationthe election of abraham lincoln
Scott pursed his freedom, with the case eventually reaching the United States Supreme Court. It became a political question on whether or not slavery should be legal. Abolitionists and those who supported
More informationTeacher s Guide for Cobblestone. October 2011: 1861: A Year in the Civil War. Teacher s guide created by Debbie Vilardi
Teacher s Guide for Cobblestone October 2011: 1861: A Year in the Civil War Teacher s guide created by Debbie Vilardi Debbie Vilardi is an author of poetry, lesson plans and works of fiction. She is seeking
More informationKOREMATSU V. U.S. (1944)
KOREMATSU V. U.S. (1944) DIRECTIONS Read the Case Background and. Then analyze the Documents provided. Finally, answer the in a well-organized essay that incorporates your interpretations of the Documents
More information9.1 Introduction When the delegates left Independence Hall in September 1787, they each carried a copy of the Constitution. Their task now was to
9.1 Introduction When the delegates left Independence Hall in September 1787, they each carried a copy of the Constitution. Their task now was to convince their states to approve the document that they
More informationWhat The Actions Of Abe Lincoln Continue To Teach Us Today
Widener University Delaware Law School From the SelectedWorks of Michael J. Slinger 2013 What The Actions Of Abe Lincoln Continue To Teach Us Today Michael J. Slinger Available at: http://works.bepress.com/michael_slinger/10/
More informationThe Origins of political thought and the Constitution
The Origins of political thought and the Constitution Social Contract Theory The implied agreement between citizens and the gov t saying that citizens will obey the gov t and give up certain freedoms in
More informationIntroduction to American Government
Introduction to American Government POLS 1101 The University of Georgia Prof. Anthony Madonna ajmadonn@uga.edu The Presidency What happened historically to transform the president from the chief clerk
More informationConstitution Cheat Sheet
Constitution Cheat Sheet The Preamble to the Constitution has no force in law; instead, it establishes the "Why" of the Constitution. Why is this document in existence? It reflects the desires of the Framers
More informationLerche: Boumediene v. Bush. Boumediene v. Bush. Justin Lerche, Lynchburg College
Boumediene v. Bush Justin Lerche, Lynchburg College (Editor s notes: This paper by Justin Lerche is the winner of the LCSR Program Director s Award for the best paper dealing with a social problem in the
More informationPROFESSIONAL TEACHING STANDARDS BOARD. United States Constitution Study Guide
PROFESSIONAL TEACHING STANDARDS BOARD United States Constitution Study Guide Section 21-7-304, Wyoming Statutes, 1969--"All persons hereafter applying for certificates authorizing them to become administrators
More informationTHE SECESSION CRISIS.! Lincoln s election leads South Carolina to secede on December 20, 1860.! Question: would other states follow?
1861-1865 THE SECESSION CRISIS! Lincoln s election leads South Carolina to secede on December 20, 1860! Question: would other states follow? THE CRITTENDEN COMPROMISE DEC. 1860! John Crittenden (KY) proposes
More informationGrade 8 Social Studies STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by Objective
Grade 8 Social Studies and -M Fall 2012 by Objective TEKS: 8.2: History. The student understands the causes of exploration and colonization eras. Objective: 1(A) Identify reasons for European exploration
More informationCONSTITUTIONAL LAW. Constitutional Law Liu Spring 2010
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW I. Judicial Review A. What is the Constitution? 1. Possible conceptions a. Legal text i. Sets out a plan of government 1. Structure 2. Who serves 3. Powers 4. Limitations on power 5.
More information2012 The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History Excerpts from Ex Parte Quirin (underlining added for emphasis).
Excerpts from Ex Parte Quirin (underlining added for emphasis). In these causes motions for leave to file petitions for habeas corpus were presented to the United States District Court for the District
More informationWho attended the Philadelphia Convention? How was it organized? We the People, Unit 3 Lesson 12
Who attended the Philadelphia Convention? How was it organized? We the People, Unit 3 Lesson 12 A convention has been called to rewrite Redwood school constitution. We need some delegates (representatives).
More informationThe Evolution of the Presidency
Ushistory.org. The Evolution of the Presidency, American Government Online Textbook. http://www.ushistory.org/gov/7a.asp. Retrieved 9/22/16. Copyright 2008-2016 ushistory.org, owned by the Independence
More informationThe Scope of Congressional Powers. Congressional Power. Strict Versus Liberal Construction
The Scope of Congressional Powers What are the three types of congressional power? How does strict construction of the U.S. Constitution on the subject of congressional power compare to liberal construction?
More informationAmerica: Pathways to the Present. Chapter 5. The Constitution of the United States ( )
America: Pathways to the Present Chapter 5 The Constitution of the United States (1776 1800) Copyright 2003 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. All
More informationSunday, November 17, 13. Federalism
Federalism Federalism and the Constitution The Constitution recognizes only national and state governments The national government has only those powers delegated to it by the Constitution (except for
More informationSecurity Versus Civil Liberties Richard A. Posner December 2011
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Security Versus Civil Liberties Richard A. Posner December 2011 In the wake of the
More informationREVIEWED! APUSH PERIOD 5: KEY CONCEPT 5.3 3/29/17 MOBILIZING ECONOMIES & SOCIETIES FOR WAR: Why does the Union win the war?
3/29/17 APUSH PERIOD 5: KEY CONCEPT 5.3 1844-1877 REVIEWED! Why does the Union win the war? Confederacy early success (Battle of Bull Run, Peninsula campaign) Southern advantages: Fighting defensive war,
More informationFIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS
FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS ABRAHAM LINCOLN 8 FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Lincoln s First Inaugural Address, delivered a month after the formation of the Confederacy, served as a final plea for
More information1. Which of these was the earliest document to contain principles of limited government that were later reflected in the United States Constitution?
1. Which of these was the earliest document to contain principles of limited government that were later reflected in the United States Constitution? Magna Carta. Petition of Right. English Bill of Rights.
More informationSTATE HEARING QUESTIONS
Unit One: What Are the Philosophical and Historical Foundations of the American Political System? 1. What are the major differences between classical republicanism and natural rights philosophy? How might
More informationSTAAR OBJECTIVE: 3. Government and Citizenship
STAAR OBJECTIVE: 3 Government and Citizenship 1. What is representative government? A. Government that represents the interests of the king. B. Government in which elected officials represent the interest
More informationMcCulloch vs. Maryland
McCulloch vs. Maryland Background of the Case: After the War of 1812, the U.S. government needed additional funds to pay off the debts of the war. Instead of being able to borrow money from one institution,
More informationThe Constitution in One Sentence: Understanding the Tenth Amendment
January 10, 2011 Constitutional Guidance for Lawmakers The Constitution in One Sentence: Understanding the Tenth Amendment In a certain sense, the Tenth Amendment the last of the 10 amendments that make
More informationWe the People Lesson 15. How did the Framers resolve the conflict about powers of the legislative branch?
We the People Lesson 15 How did the Framers resolve the conflict about powers of the legislative branch? The Capitol Building How much power should Congress have? Framers agreed stronger Nat l gov t needed
More informationHIST 1301 Part Four. 15: The Civil War
HIST 1301 Part Four 15: The Civil War Secession 1860-1861 On December 20, 1860, South Carolina seceded from the Union. A..line has been drawn across the Union and all states north of that line have united
More informationU.S. History Final Exam - Review Guide Semester 1
Date U.S. History Final Exam - Review Guide Semester 1 Name Hr American Revolution 1. What was salutary neglect and how did it contribute to the American Revolution. (70) 2. Describe and explain the French
More informationSectional disagreements moved settlers into the new territories. Settlers remained Northerners or Southerners.
Unit 6 Notes Sectional disagreements moved settlers into the new territories. Settlers remained Northerners or Southerners. The opening of Oregon and the admission of California to the Union convinced
More informationThe Legislative Branch. Article I Congress
The Legislative Branch Article I Congress Terms and Sessions of Congress A term is the length of time between elections in Congress (two years). Each Congressional term consists of two sessions, one during
More informationChapter 13: The Presidency. American Democracy Now, 4/e
Chapter 13: The Presidency American Democracy Now, 4/e Presidential Elections Candidates position themselves years in advance of Election Day. Eligible incumbent presidents are nearly always nominated
More informationNOTES ILLEGAL CONFINEMENT: PRESIDENTIAL AUTHORITY TO SUSPEND THE PRIVILEGE OF THE WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS DURING TIMES OF EMERGENCY
NOTES ILLEGAL CONFINEMENT: PRESIDENTIAL AUTHORITY TO SUSPEND THE PRIVILEGE OF THE WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS DURING TIMES OF EMERGENCY ELI PALOMARES I. INTRODUCTION Civil liberties during war and national emergency
More informationReading Essentials and Study Guide
Lesson 1 Sources of Presidential Power ESSENTIAL QUESTION What are the powers and roles of the president and how have they changed over time? Reading HELPDESK Academic Vocabulary contemporary happening,
More informationThe Legislative Branch
The Legislative Branch Representative body Congress Law-making body Creating a Bi-Cameral Legislature Virginia Plan New Jersey Plan Connecticut Compromise Differences Between The Chambers HOUSE SENATE
More informationCONTROLLING LEGAL PRINCIPLES Free Exercise Clause Decision The Contemplation of Justice McCulloch v. Maryland, 17 U.S. 4 Wheat.
CONTROLLING LEGAL PRINCIPLES Free Exercise Clause Decision The Contemplation of Justice McCulloch v. Maryland, 17 U.S. 4 Wheat. 316 316 (1819) The Government of the Union, though limited in its powers,
More informationUNIT II: Civil War and Reconstruction Notes page 3. PART II: RECONSTRUCTION 6. When was and what was Reconstruction?
PART II: RECONSTRUCTION 6. When was and what was Reconstruction? 7. Reconstruction was an attempt to fix the problems of the United States that led to the Civil War. What were the major issues the United
More informationPAMUN XVI RESEARCH REPORT Reevaluating the role of the United Nations (through the UN charter)
PAMUN XVI RESEARCH REPORT Reevaluating the role of the United Nations (through the UN charter) Introduction of Topic Since its creation in 1945, the United Nations has acted as a major player in global
More informationAntifederalist No. 84. On the Lack of a Bill of Rights
Antifederalist No. 84 On the Lack of a Bill of Rights By "Brutus." When a building is to be erected which is intended to stand for ages, the foundation should be firmly laid. The Constitution proposed
More informationGeorge Washington, President
Unit 3 SSUSH6 Analyze the challenges faced by the first five presidents and how they r esponded. a. Examine the presidency of Washington, including the precedents he set. George Washington, President George
More informationPOCKET CONSTITUTION BY: Father of the Constitution: Parts of the Constitution: #23 Gives. #24 Eliminates the. #25 Establishes the.
#23 Gives Father of the Constitution: #24 Eliminates the Parts of the Constitution: #25 Establishes the #26 Lowers the #27 States that if t are changes made to Congressional members salaries, they will
More information7a. The Evolution of the Presidency
7a. The Evolution of the Presidency South Dakota's Mt. Rushmore memorializes four of America's greatest Presidents. Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Lincoln are carved into this spectacular
More informationThe S e cope o e f f Congressi essi nal al P ower w s
The Scope of Congressional Powers What are the three types of congressional power? How does strict construction of the U.S. Constitution on the subject of congressional power compare to liberal construction?
More informationThe Civil War and Reconstruction PAULDING COUNTY: U.S. HISTORY
The Civil War and Reconstruction PAULDING COUNTY: U.S. HISTORY Standards SSUSH9 Evaluate key events, issues, and individuals relating to the Civil War. SSUSH10 Identify legal, political, and social dimensions
More informationConstitution Day September 17
Constitution Day September 17 Articles of Confederation March 1, 1781- goes into effect No Executive Branch-No single leader No Judicial Branch-No national courts No power to collect taxes No power to
More informationC) It elects candidates from its party to public office. C) Code of Hammurabi B) During wartime, limitations on civil rights have been upheld
Directions: Each of the questions or incomplete statements below is followed by four suggested answers or completions. Select the one that is best in each case and fill in the corresponding oval on the
More informationA War to Free the Slaves?
MPI/Getty Images A War to Free the Slaves? Few documents in U.S. history share the hallowed reputation of the Emancipation Proclamation. Many, perhaps most, of you have heard of it. You know at least vaguely
More informationAmerican Government. C H A P T E R 11 Powers of Congress
American Government C H A P T E R 11 Powers of Congress C H A P T E R 11 Powers of Congress SECTION 1 The Scope of Congressional Powers SECTION 2 The Expressed Powers of Money and Commerce SECTION 3 Other
More informationThe major powers and duties of the President are set forth in Article II of the Constitution:
Unit 6: The Presidency The President of the United States heads the executive branch of the federal government. The President serves a four-year term in office. George Washington established the norm of
More informationLetter to Erastus Corning and Others. Abraham Lincoln June 12, 1863 Executive Mansion, Washington. Gentlemen:
Letter to Erastus Corning and Others Abraham Lincoln June 12, 1863 Executive Mansion, Washington Gentlemen: Your letter of May 19th. inclosing the resolutions of a public meeting held at Albany, N.Y. on
More informationQ6. What do the stripes on the flag represent? 96. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
Naturalization TEST Civics Items Comparison Current 96 Civics Items Q1. What are the colors of the flag? Q2. What do the stars on the flag mean? Q3. How many stars are there on our flag? Q4. What color
More informationThe Legislative Branch
The Legislative Branch What you need to know Differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate The legislative process Influence of lobbyists How a bill becomes a law The National Legislature
More information4. Which of the following was NOT a. B. The protection of the civil rights of. C. The imposition of military rule upon the
Bellwork 12/10 1. Slavery was abolished in the United States by A. the Emancipation Proclamation B. act of Congress C. the 13th Amendment to the Constitution D. the end of the Civil War 2. The Freedman
More informationLEGAL 397v: Civil Liberties in Wartime
University of Massachusetts Amherst Spring 2006 Department of Legal Studies LEGAL 397v: Civil Liberties in Wartime www.courses.umass.edu/leg397v Instructor: Judith Holmes, J.D., Ph.D. Office: Gordon Hall
More informationThere is No "Fourteenth Amendment"! David Lawrence. U.S. News & World Report. September 27, 1957
There is No "Fourteenth Amendment"! by David Lawrence U.S. News & World Report September 27, 1957 A MISTAKEN BELIEF -- that there is a valid article in the Constitution known as the "Fourteenth Amendment"
More information3.1c- Layer Cake Federalism
3.1c- Layer Cake Federalism Defining Federalism The United States encompasses many governments over 83,000 separate units. These include municipal, county, regional, state, and federal governments as well
More informationopposed to dogmatic, purpose approach of his radical fellow partisans.
In the course of the American Civil War, in four occupied southern states loyal civil governments were established and in three other states at least attempts at reconstruction took place. The master thesis
More informationThe Emancipation Proclamation: Was it Really About Freedom?
The Emancipation Proclamation: Was it Really About Freedom? The first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation before the cabinet / painted by F.B. Carpenter; engraved by A.H. Ritchie c1866. Library of
More informationConstitution Detectives
Understanding the Constitution of the United States Constitution Detectives ANSWER KEY Directions: Answer the questions below about the Constitution. Make sure to use complete sentences. What events led
More informationU.S. Government Unit 1 Notes
Name Period Date / / U.S. Government Unit 1 Notes C H A P T E R 1 Principles of Government, p. 1-24 1 Government and the State What Is Government? Government is the through which a makes and enforces its
More informationChanging Constitutional Powers of the American President Feature: Forum: The Evolving Presidency in Eastern Europe
University of Chicago Law School Chicago Unbound Journal Articles Faculty Scholarship 1993 Changing Constitutional Powers of the American President Feature: Forum: The Evolving Presidency in Eastern Europe
More informationVITAL SIGNS: Law, Power, Legitimacy, and the 14th Amendment by Joseph E. Fallon
VITAL SIGNS: Law, Power, Legitimacy, and the 14th Amendment by Joseph E. Fallon The justification for the vast, intrusive, and coercive powers employed by the government of the United States against its
More informationAmerican Citizenship Chapter 11 Notes Powers of Congress
American Citizenship Chapter 11 Notes Powers of Congress Section 1 a. The Scope of Congressional Powers B. Congressional Power a. Congress only has the powers delegated to it by the Constitution i. Cannot
More informationAmerican Government. Topic 8 Civil Liberties: Protecting Individual Rights
American Government Topic 8 Civil Liberties: Protecting Individual Rights Section 5 Due Process of Law The Meaning of Due Process Constitution contains two statements about due process 5th Amendment Federal
More informationLincoln s Election and Southern Secession
Lincoln s Election and Southern Secession MAIN IDEA The election of Lincoln led the Southern states to secede from the Union. WHY IT MATTERS NOW This was the only time in U.S. history that states seceded
More informationArt. 61. Troops that give no quarter have no right to kill enemies already disabled on the ground, or prisoners captured by other troops.
Criminalizing War (1) Discovering crimes in war (2) Early attempts to regulate the use of force in war (3) International Military Tribunal (Nuremberg trial) (4) International Military Tribunal for the
More informationChapter 3 The Constitution. Section 1 Structure and Principles
Chapter 3 The Constitution Section 1 Structure and Principles The Constitution The Founders... 1) created the Constitution more than 200 years ago. 2) like Montesquieu, believed in separation of powers.
More informationCHAPTER THREE THE STRUCTURE OF THE STATE
CHAPTER THREE THE STRUCTURE OF THE STATE I. THE STATE IH HURAL OF MONGOLIA ARTICLE 20 THE STATE IH HURAL OF MONGOLIA IS THE HIGHEST ORGAN OF STATE POWER AND THE SUPREME LEGISLATIVE POWER SHALL BE VESTED
More informationNo Trial By Jury With Lincoln. Lisa C. Brunner. Bachelor s of Philosophy, University Honors College, Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of
No Trial By Jury With Lincoln by Lisa C. Brunner Bachelor s of Philosophy, University Honors College, 2009 Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of University Honors College in partial fulfillment of the requirements
More informationTHE CONSTITUTION. PREAMBLE = Intro
THE CONSTITUTION GOALS OF THE CONSTITUTION Form a More Perfect Union Establish Justice Insure Domestic Tranquility Provide for the Common Defense Promote the General Welfare refer to problems under the
More informationUnit II: Civil War and Reconstruction Notes. PART I: REVIEW OF THE CIVIL WAR What you should have learned in 8 th grade)
Name Per Unit II: Civil War and Reconstruction Notes PART I: REVIEW OF THE CIVIL WAR What you should have learned in 8 th grade) 1a)CAUSES OF THE CIVIL WAR #1: By the eve of the American Civil War, the
More information7/10/2009. By Mr. Cegielski WARM UP:
By Mr. Cegielski WARM UP: 1 PREVIEW: George Washington Presidential Accomplishments Washington voluntarily resigned as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army in 1783. Because of his victories in the
More informationAll indirect taxes must be levied at the same rate in all parts of the country Cannot taxes churches. Limits on The Taxing Power
3 Types of Congressional Powers granted by the Constitution Expressed Powers Explicitly written in the Constitution Implied Powers Reasonably deducted from the expressed powers Inherent Powers By creating
More informationCRS Report for Congress
CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web Order Code RS21942 September 22, 2004 State Election Laws: Overview of Statutes Regarding Emergency Election Postponement Within the State Summary L.
More informationNine of the 13 states had to approve the Constitution in. order for it to be the law of the land. This happened on June 21,
Task 1: Read Nine of the 13 states had to approve the Constitution in order for it to be the law of the land. This happened on June 21, 1788 when New Hampshire ratified it. The government of the United
More informationCivics: Chapter 4 Test Review. Federalism
Section 1: Dividing Government Power Civics: Chapter 4 Test Review Federalism Main Idea: the framers of the Constitution established a federal system that divides powers and responsibility between the
More informationAbraham Lincoln First inaugural address Monday, march 4, 1861
Abraham Lincoln First inaugural address Monday, march 4, 1861 The national upheaval of secession was a grim reality at Abraham Lincoln's inauguration. Jefferson Davis had been inaugurated as the President
More information