Power Grab!
President - A serious economic crisis takes place in the U.S. The President decides to
run for a third term.
Congress–Because of his service to our country, Congress grants a former President
the title, “Grand Poohbah.”
Supreme Court - The Supreme Court rules that because of our large national debt, the
United States can no longer borrow money.
President - The President declares war on China.
Congress–In order to raise more money, campaign for re-election, and take a long
vacation, Congress decides not to meet in 2017.
Supreme Court – The Supreme Court declares that since Washington D.C. is not in
any state, residents there may not vote in national elections.
President–The President declares that Supreme Court justices will now serve 8 year terms.
Congress–In order to raise money, Congress declares a $200 voting tax (poll tax).
Supreme Court–The Supreme Court declares that anyone found guilty of a terrorist
act will have their hands cut off.
President–The President declares that a new 28th Amendment to the Constitution will
give him emergency powers for life.
Congress - Congress decides that beards are illegal and anyone who wore one in the
last year must pay a $1000 fine.
Supreme Court– The Supreme Court declares the income tax illegal.
President–The President orders a new coin to be made with his picture on it.
Congress–Congress votes themselves a $400,000 increase effective immediately.
Supreme Court– The Supreme Court declares that they will begin choosing US
Senators.
President - Your land is in the way of a federal highway, so the President takes your land
without paying you.
Congress - Congress passes a law naming 15 college students guilty of crimes
against the government and orders them expelled from school.
Supreme Court–The Supreme Court declares the President is too sick to continue his
duties and that the Vice-President should take over.
Adapted from the US Constitution Power Grab Game
Power Grab Answer Key!
President - A serious economic crisis takes place in the U.S. The President decides to
run for a third term.
22nd Amendment – The President is limited to 2 terms or 10 years
Congress–Because of his service to our country, Congress grants a former President
the title, “Grand Poohbah.”
Article 1, Section 9 – Congress cannot grant any US citizen a title of nobility
Supreme Court - The Supreme Court rules that because of our large national debt, the
United States can no longer borrow money.
Article 1, Section 8 – Only Congress has the power to borrow money
President - The President declares war on China.
Article 1, Section 8 Only Congress can declare war
Congress–In order to raise more money, campaign for re-election, and take a long
vacation, Congress decides not to meet in 2017.
Article 1, Section 4 – Congress is required to assemble at least once a year
Supreme Court – The Supreme Court declares that since Washington D.C. is not in
any state, residents there may not vote in national elections.
23rd Amendment – The people of Washington DC may vote for President
President–The President declares that Supreme Court justices will now serve 8 year terms.
Article 3 – Justices receive lifetime appointments
Congress–In order to raise money, Congress declares a $200 voting tax(poll tax).
24th Amendment – People cannot be denied the right to vote because they had
not paid a poll tax
Supreme Court–The Supreme Court declares that anyone found guilty of a terrorist
act will have their hands cut off.
8th Amendment – No cruel or unusual punishments
President–The President declares that a new 28th Amendment to the Constitution will
give him emergency powers for life.
Article 5 – Amendments are passed by a 2/3rds vote of the House and Senate
must be ratified by 3/4ths of the state legislatures
Congress - Congress decides that beards are illegal and anyone who wore one in the
last year must pay a $1000 fine.
Article 1, Section 9 – Congress cannot criminalize an act that took place in the
Past (ex post facto law)
Supreme Court– The Supreme Court declares the income tax illegal.
16th Amendment – Allows Congress to make and collect taxes on income
President–The President orders a new coin to be made with his picture on it.
Article 1, Section 8 – Congress has the power to coin money
Congress–Congress votes themselves a $400,000 increase effective immediately.
27th Amendment – A law increasing Congress’s salaries takes effect after the next
federal election
Supreme Court– The Supreme Court declares that they will begin choosing US
Senators.
17th Amendment – Election of Senators is made by the people of each state
President - Your land is in the way of a federal highway, so the President takes your land
without paying you.
5th Amendment – Owners of property taken by the government under its eminent
domain power must be fairly compensated
Congress - Congress passes a law naming 15 college students guilty of crimes
against the government and orders them expelled from school.
Article 1, Section 9 – Congress cannot pass a bill of attainder that punishes a
person without a trial
Supreme Court–The Supreme Court declares the President is too sick to continue his
duties and that the Vice-President should take over.
25th Amendment – In case of Presidential disability, the Vice President and a
majority of the cabinet sends notice that the President is
unable to perform his duties and the Vice President becomes
Acting President