CORE WORKSHEET
The Implied Powers 
On What
Expressed Power
Is This Action Based?
Did Congress
Go Outside Its 
Authority?
Explain:
Explain:
Explain:
 Yes    No
 Yes    No
 Yes    No
2

Name ___________________________ Class _____________________ Date _______

CHAPTER
11
SECTION 3

As you know, implied powers are powers that are not actually set out 
in so many words in the Constitution. Instead, they are implied by, or 
drawn from, those powers that are set out in words. Congress must 
base every use of implied powers on at least one expressed power.
The chart below lists five actions that Congress has taken. For 
each action, list at least one expressed power on which Congress 
may have based its action. Then judge each action. Do you think 
Congress went outside its authority? Why or why not?

Action That
Congress Took
1. Congress set high 
student proficiency 
goals. Students must 
meet these goals so 
their schools can get 
federal funds.

2. Congress said phone 
companies must give 
customer records to the 
FBI. The FBI needs the 
records to search for 
terrorists.

3. Congress set up a gun-
free zone around all 
schools in the nation.

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85

On What
Expressed Power
Is This Action Based?
Did Congress
Go Outside Its 
Authority?
Explain:
 Yes    No
 Yes    No
2

Name ___________________________ Class _____________________ Date _______

CORE WORKSHEET (continued)
The Implied Powers 

Action That
Congress Took
4. Congress called up the 
National Guard for 
long-term duty in Iraq.

5. Congress made the debt 
limit higher.
Explain:

Critical Thinking
1. How do strict constructionists and liberal constructionists view the
powers of Congress?
 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________

2. You judged some actions that Congress has taken. Based on your
answers, do you think you are a strict constructionist or a liberal 
constructionist? Why? 
 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________
 ___________________________________________________________________

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86