Presidents and the Constitution James Madison and the Bonus Bill

Presidents and the Constitution Resources

The biggest problem people have in thinking about the Founding Documents is that they look at them with contemporary eyes. They dont realize the fear of powerful government, the bitter debates and tremendously difficult compromises, or any of the other concerns the Founders had in 1770s-1791.

Directions: Read Dr. David Marions Essay The Presidency and Federal Power on pages 4-6. Underline or highlight the facts you think are important.

War and the Constitution

Constitutional Connection Activity

The President and Federal Power

Critical Engagement Question What was President James Madisons view of federal power? Objectives Understand James Madisons view of Federal Power. Understand Madisons reasons for viewing unlimited federal power as a threat to liberty. Apply Madisons reasoning to determine how he would have assessed the constitutionality of federal laws. Appreciate Madisons contributions to limited government and liberty.
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James Madison and the Bonus Bill

Background/Homework: Handout A: James Madison and the Bonus Bill

Critical Thinking Questions

1. 2. 3. What proposal of Madisons regarding canals was voted down at the Constitutional Convention? Why did Roger Sherman and Rufus King object to Madisons proposal at the Convention? What was the Bonus Bill?

4.
5.

Why did Madison veto the Bonus Bill?

Do you believe Madison was correct to veto the Bonus Bill? Why or Why not?
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James Madison and the Bonus Bill

James Madison James Wilson Benjamin Franklin Rufus King Roger Sherman

Warm Up: Role Play: Constitutional Convention Assume the beliefs and ideas of one of the Founding Fathers in creating Congress power to grant charters of incorporation for the construction of canals. Madison, Wilson, and Franklin will argue for it King and Sherman will argue against it.
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James Madison and the Bonus Bill

Activity Class Debate President Madisonmove to the center of the class U.S. Congress decide if they have the power to pass the Congressional action stated in Handout C given the power shown on the Clause Slips from Handout B. They should give a reason why they voted yes or no. President Madison should state whether s/he would veto the Congressional action and why; focusing on whether s/he believed the action is Constitutional or not.

James Madison and the Bonus Bill

Activity continued Complete Handout D

James Madison and the Bonus Bill

Wrap-Up What arguments made by Sherman and King about the power of Congress to grant charters of incorporation for the construction of canals are relevant today?
Rufus King Roger Sherman

James Madison and the Bonus Bill

Homework Read Madisons veto message Summarize Madisons argument in your own words

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James Madison and the Bonus Bill

The Issues Endure
Use Teaching with Current Events from the Bill of Rights Institute website to analyze similarities & differences between Madisons view and modern approaches to the powers of the federal government. Consider terms such as
earmarks pork-barrel projects log-rolling

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Veronica: Im on the fence about putting this slide in the .ppt. the correct answers are interpretive, and Im not sure declaring concrete right or wrong answers is beneficial. Please advise. PD 2/29/2012

Power of Congress? There oughta be a law?

Madison: To Veto, or Not to Veto?

1. Congress wants to authorize the creation of a national bank. 2. Congress wants to pass a bill establishing a national minimum wage and a maximum 44-hour work week. 3. Congress wants to pass a bill creating gun-free school zones, making it a violation of federal law to have a firearm in school zones. 4. Congress wants to pass a law called the Controlled Substances Act. Among many other regulations, the law bans possession of marijuana.
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