The Constitution Matters

Enumerated Powers, Not Unlimited Authority

The federal government is one of limited and defined powers. Its authority comes from Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, which lists what Congress is allowed to do.

1. Collect taxes
2. Spend for national purposes
3. Borrow money
4. Coin and regulate money
5. Regulate interstate and foreign commerce
6. Establish post offices and roads
7. Define citizenship
8. Create uniform bankruptcy laws
9. Protect patents and copyrights
10. Create lower federal courts
11. Define and punish piracy
12. Declare war
13. Raise and support armies and navies
14. Call forth the militia
15. Make laws necessary and proper to execute these powers

There is no standalone grant of power to govern every aspect of life. The phrase “general welfare” does not create unlimited authority. Federal programs must be tied to enumerated powers, not political convenience.