Lesson 21: What is the Role of Congress in American Constitutional Democracy?

Terms

delegate theory of representation  The idea that a legislative representative should exactly mirror his or her constituents' views in deciding on public policy. See also trustee theory of representation

enforcement powers  The power of Congress to enforce laws.

federalism  A form of government in which power is divided and shared between a central government and state and local governments.

gerrymandering  Drawing the boundaries of an electoral district to favor a political party.

implied powers  Those powers authorized by a legal document that are not expressly stated but can be inferred from expressly stated powers. The power of Congress to do all things "necessary and proper" to carry out the powers delegated to it by Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the U.S. Constitution. The "necessary and proper" clause is also known as the "elastic clause," because it greatly expands the Constitution's enumeration of the powers of Congress. Implied powers can be distinguished from "inherent powers," those that are expressly provided for in the Constitution.

inherent powers  Those powers ingrained so deeply in an institution that they need not be stated. For example, what the "inherent powers of the presidency" might be is a hotly contested subject in American national politics.

trustee theory of representation  The idea that a legislative representative should use his or her best judgment in making decisions on public policy, regardless of constituent opinion. See also delegate theory of representation