Oklahoma Social Studies USG.C.3.4.A
The Standard
- USG.C.3
- Analyze the fundamental principles of the American republic, as established in the Constitution of the United States of America.
- USG.C.3.4
- Analyze the system of federalism as established by the Constitution of the United States of America.
Define and identify the enumerated (expressed) powers found in Article I.
Oklahoma Academic Standards for Social Studies (2026) · USG.C.3.4
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students explain that enumerated powers are powers named in the Constitution. They find Congress's listed powers in Article I and match government actions to specific clauses.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Given a list of government actions, a student identifies which ones Article I gives Congress. They point to the clause for each choice and explain why another action is not listed.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think the president declares war because the president commands the military. They may also assume every federal action is an expressly listed power of Congress.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Which actions are expressly given to Congress in Article I, Section 8: collect taxes, declare war, or issue driver's licenses? Name the clause for each correct choice.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs printed Article I, Section 8 excerpts and action cards; have them place each card beside its matching clause.
Ask, 'Can Congress declare war but not command troops?' Have pairs use Article I and Article II excerpts to explain.
Play clause match: read an action such as 'Congress coins money'; students hold up the matching Section 8 clause card.
Show a photo of a U.S. post office; students find the Article I clause that lets Congress establish post offices.
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Related Standards
- USG.C.4.2
Examine the scope and powers of the executive branch as delineated in Article II of the Constitution of the United States of America.
- USG.C.7.1.A
Identify and explain powers that the Constitution of the United States of America grants to the President and Congress to develop and carry out domestic policy.
- USG.C.4.1
Describe the scope and powers of the legislative branch of the federal government as delineated in Article 1 of the Constitution of the United States of America...
- 8.C.4.2.C
Identify the constitutional powers granted to Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court, using historical and contemporary examples.
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