Early Laws and the Powers of Congress Behind Them
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Early Laws and the Powers of Congress Behind Them" is written for 8th Grade (Ages 13-14), and it covers C3 Framework D2.Civ.5.6-8. A 7th grader who is already steady on Three Branches and Checks can use it too, and an older student can use it as a short review.
2 pages in this set
8th grade social studies worksheet: match early laws like the 1791 bank and Coinage Act to Article I clauses, expressed or implied. Answer key included. Part of our Congress: House and Senate three branches and checks collection. Aligned to C3 Framework standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Use the powers of Congress sheet first so students know where laws come from. Then trace the two bills and compare the steps.
What students will practice
- Students will match twelve early laws to the Article I, Section 8 clause each rests on.
- Students will mark each power as expressed or implied.
- Students will use Article I, Section 9 to explain why the Act of 1807 waited until 1808.
Washington's First Cabinet and Its Disputes
Presidential Roles From Washington to Lincoln
Marshall Court Cases That Shaped Federal Power
Checks and Balances From 1803 to 1861
Federal Courts Under the Judiciary Act of 1789
How the 1854 Nebraska Bill Passed Both Houses
How the Civil Rights Act of 1866 Became Law
Curriculum Links
C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards
Social Studies · 8th Grade
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Browse the grade, subject, and topic this belongs to.
FAQ
How do I use this Congress: House and Senate worksheet?
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Use the powers of Congress sheet first so students know where laws come from. Then trace the two bills and compare the steps.
What does this worksheet teach?
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Match early laws like the 1791 bank and Coinage Act to Article I clauses, expressed or implied. The directions on the page read: Write the clause number each law rests on, and E if the power is expressed or I if implied. An answer key is included.
Can I use this Congress: House and Senate worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
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Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade Three Branches and Checks, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.
How does Congress override a veto?
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Two thirds of each house must vote to pass the bill again. In 1866 Congress overrode President Johnson's veto of the Civil Rights Act, and students check the vote math on the sheet.
What was the Kansas-Nebraska Act?
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Passed in 1854, it split the land west of Missouri and Iowa into two territories and let settlers decide on slavery, called popular sovereignty. It declared the Missouri Compromise ban on slavery there inoperative.
What is the necessary and proper clause?
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It lets Congress make all laws needed to carry out its listed powers. Laws that rest on it, such as the 1791 bank, use implied powers.
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Worksheet Details
| Grade | 8th Grade |
| Subject | Social Studies |
| Topic | Three Branches and Checks |
| Standard | D2.Civ.5.6-8 |
| Pages | 2 pages |
| Difficulty | Medium |
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Washington's First Cabinet and Its Disputes
Presidential Roles From Washington to Lincoln
Marshall Court Cases That Shaped Federal Power
Checks and Balances From 1803 to 1861
Federal Courts Under the Judiciary Act of 1789
How the 1854 Nebraska Bill Passed Both Houses
How the Civil Rights Act of 1866 Became Law