The framers of the Constitution were concerned about the possibility of government tyranny. Yet they also wanted an energetic government capable of accomplishing its assigned tasks

Question

These multiple and sometimes conflicting objectives are reflected in the constitutional design of Congress. Explain how the framers both empowered Congress and constrained Congress in their design.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

An ideal response will:
1, Explain that for the framers, Congress was the main bearer of federal governmental powers; in listing the enumerated powers, they were largely defining the powers and responsibilities of the national government itself.
2, Note that the framers enhanced the enumerated powers by adding the elastic clause, granting broad power to Congress to pass whatever legislation was necessary to carry out its enumerated powers and other responsibilities vested in it from other sections of the Constitution.
3, Explain that the framers limited congressional power by making Congress a bicameral body—divided into two chambers—so that legislation could occur only after patient deliberation.
4, Note that the framers added provisions specifically to prohibit certain kinds of actions: bills of attainder, ex post facto laws, the granting of titles of nobility, and the suspension of the right of habeas corpus.
5, Note that additional constraints on congressional action were added in the form of the Bill of Rights.