What is an example of the power of the purse?
Asked by: Tod Carter | Last update: February 12, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (67 votes)
An example of the power of the purse is Congress using its authority to control federal spending to force policy changes, such as cutting off funding for the Vietnam War through the Case-Church Amendment, which effectively ended U.S. military involvement by stopping the flow of money, demonstrating its power to limit executive actions.
What is an example of the power of the purse being used?
The most well-known example of this is regarding the drinking age, where Congress passed a law to withhold 10% of federal funds for highways in any state that did not raise the age to 21. The law was upheld by the Supreme Court in the South Dakota v. Dole case.
What is the power of the purse?
Congress—and in particular, the House of Representatives—is invested with the “power of the purse,” the ability to tax and spend public money for the national government.
What does Hamilton mean by the power of the sword and the power of the purse in Federalist 78?
In Federalist Paper No. 78, Alexander Hamilton famously characterized the judiciary as the weakest branch of government. He argued that, unlike the executive and legislative branches, the judiciary lacks “the power of the sword and the purse,” implying that it neither enforces laws nor controls resources.
Who had the power of the purse in the colonies?
About this object During the Constitutional Convention of 1787, James Madison of Virginia insisted that Congress must retain the “power over the purse.” Madison served as a Representative for Virginia in the House of Representatives in the first four federal Congresses, and later served as the fourth President of the ...
What Is an Example of the Power of the Purse in American History? - Inside the Legislative Branch
What does control the purse mean?
: to make the decisions about how money is spent.
Who has the power of the purse Quizlet?
This authority, outlined in Article I, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution, gives Congress the exclusive power to authorize the expenditure of federal funds. The power of the purse includes the ability to pass budgets, appropriate money for government programs, and control taxation and borrowing.
What lesson does Hamilton teach?
The musical shows that Hamilton makes many mistakes in his journey, but ultimately achieves many of his goals while he is alive, and succeeds in establishing his legacy. Hamilton embodies the growth mindset that our abilities and performance are not fixed, but can improve with practice and effort (e.g., Dweck, 2008).
Why are judges so powerful?
Under the modern doctrine of judicial review, the federal judiciary can invalidate any state or federal law or policy it considers inconsistent with the U.S. Constitution. This doctrine gives unelected federal judges awesome power.
What is the main point of Federalist 78?
The main idea of Federalist No. 78, by Alexander Hamilton, is that an independent judiciary with judicial review is essential for American government, acting as the "least dangerous" branch that safeguards the Constitution by ensuring laws align with it, with life tenure for judges protecting them from political pressure to remain impartial interpreters of the law. Hamilton argued judges must strike down unconstitutional laws, prioritizing the people's will in the Constitution over legislators' will in statutes, thus making the judiciary a crucial check on the legislative and executive branches, not superior to them.
What does Hamilton mean by the power of the purse?
In Federalist No. 78, Hamilton describes the "sword" as the power of the executive to enforce laws, while the "purse" represents the legislative control over finances. The judiciary, according to Hamilton, is the least dangerous branch, lacking both enforcement power and fiscal influence, as it can only make judgments.
What is the power of the purse event?
Power of the Purse is the premier Women United celebration—an unforgettable evening of style, generosity, and purpose. Now entering its 12th year, this signature event has sold out annually and is poised to cross an extraordinary milestone: $1 million raised to support women and families right here at home.
What is the symbolic meaning of a purse?
For some people, purses may represent memories of a loved one who carried a specific type of bag. For others, purses may represent a reminder of a specific time in their life or a particular feeling.
Who has the power of the purse responses?
Congress holds the power of the purse—approving a budget and appropriating funds. The President and executive branch agencies are responsible for administering those funds. Occasionally, the President may wish to delay or avoid spending some of the funds appropriated by Congress.
Can the President use the power of the purse?
CONGRESS—NOT THE PRESIDENT—HAS POWER OF THE PURSE
➢ Article I, Section 9, Clause 7: “No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.”
How does the ________________ branch interpret the Law?
The judicial branch includes the Supreme Court and other federal courts. It evaluates laws by: Interpreting the meaning of laws. Applying laws to individual cases.
What not to say to a judge in court?
You should not say anything sarcastic, interrupt the judge, lie, use slang, make personal attacks on others, guarantee outcomes, or speak about things not relevant to the case; instead, remain respectful, address the judge as "Your Honor," answer only the question asked, and be direct and truthful to maintain credibility.
Who's more powerful than a judge?
While judges hold significant authority in court, others wield different forms of power, including Legislators (Congress) who make laws judges interpret, the President who enforces them and appoints judges, Prosecutors (DAs) who heavily influence case outcomes through charging decisions, and even Juries who determine facts, all operating within a system of checks and balances where power is distributed, not absolute.
What qualifies as abuse of power?
Abuse of power refers to someone in a position of authority who harasses, bullies, manipulates, punishes or otherwise physically or emotionally harms those in a lower position. The term also applies to someone who uses a position of authority to force others to take actions that are illegal or morally wrong.
Who is the real villain in Hamilton?
The main antagonist in Hamilton is Aaron Burr, Hamilton's political rival whose envy and differing methods lead to a fatal duel, though other figures like King George III and Thomas Jefferson also provide conflict, while James Reynolds embodies personal betrayal, making the show complex with no single "villain".
What is the #1 musical in the world?
There's no single "#1 musical" as it depends on the metric, but The Lion King is often cited as the top due to its massive box office gross (over $8 billion), making it the highest-grossing entertainment title ever, while Les Misérables, Hamilton, Wicked, and The Phantom of the Opera are consistently ranked as favorites and most famous globally for their long runs and cultural impact. For movie musicals, Singin' in the Rain and The Wizard of Oz are perennial favorites, while The Greatest Showman is considered the "most loved" based on song streams.
Did Eliza forgive Hamilton in real life?
Yes, Eliza Schuyler Hamilton did forgive her husband, Alexander Hamilton, after his affair with Maria Reynolds; they reconciled, remained married, had more children, and she dedicated the second half of her life to preserving his legacy, though the affair caused significant pain and temporarily separated them. Her forgiveness was a complex process rooted in love, loyalty, and a desire to protect his career, but it also involved immense personal sacrifice, as shown in the musical Hamilton and historical accounts.
Which of the following enumerated powers is referred to as the power of the purse?
The U.S. Congress holds the “power of the purse,” meaning the power to control government spending.
What does it mean that the House of Representatives has significant power of the purse?
What does it mean that the House of Representatives has "significant power of the purse"? Laws that fund the government begin in the house.
What are the five expressed powers of Congress?
Five expressed powers of Congress are the powers to declare war, coin money, regulate interstate commerce, raise an army and navy, and collect taxes.