US Constitution: provide specific examples to support your arguments

US CONSTITUTION
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U.S. Constitution
Introduction
At the time of its creation in 1789, the legislative branch was the most inventive. The rule by kings and emperors was an outdated system of government, and the legislature in numerous ways represented the new. In designing the Congress, the founding fathers intended that this new body be given higher powers than the President and the Supreme Court. However, they placed numerous checks and balances as a way of ensuring that power was not placed in the hands of one entity. These checks and balances that were introduced in the Constitution were meant to ensure that the Congress did not use the power at its disposal in an abusive manner.
Initially, the founding fathers established Congress so that it may play three distinct functions. The major function of the Congress as originally stipulated in the constitution was to formulate laws to govern the nation. Second, Congress was also designed to contain a Senate that would check the popularly elected House and lastly it was meant to put a check on the actions of the Executive by confirming presidential appointments, ratifying treaties, having the exclusive power to call for war, raise an operational army and the power to institute taxes. In effect, the Founding Fathers believed that a constitutional elected Congress would safeguard against the possibility of a despotic Executive seizing the federal government to advance their own interests contrary to the common good.
Ideally, the origins of Congress were derived from the Founder’s experience in colonial administration and the existence of parliament in colonial days. The philosophical and theoretical foundations of Congress are based on the belief that autonomy ultimately rests on the people. In turn, contemporary political philosophers, notably John Locke, held the view that popular sovereignty and legislative supremacy would prevent against dictatorship and facilitate human needs such as life, independence and happiness. On this premise, legislative supremacy is based on popular sovereignty of the notion that all legal governmental power comes from the people and can be reclaimed from them if the government shows any sign of neglect or abuse.
The history of Congress can be traced back to the Continental Congress. The Continental Congress came together on September 5, 1774 to design a constitutional body that could recommend action to the thirteen colonies. With the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the start of the Revolutionary War, Congress wanted to define political power and authority. In 1777, the Articles of Confederation were designed to differentiate between national powers and state powers. These powers were outlined in Article II where the state was only allowed to hold power during times of war and in relation to foreign affairs policies.
In order to ensure that no section of government wielded more powers than the other, the founding fathers designed checks and balances that would help in ensuring that no section misused their power. In Article I of the Confederation Article, the Constitution placed all the legislative power in Congress. Under Article I, the Founding Fathers gave Congress three distinct powers that would help in the maintenance of law and order. Under section 8, Congress was given all the power to come up with laws that are necessary and ideal for carrying into execution of the foregoing powers and every other power accorded by the Constitution to the government. Under this function, the Congress was also given the power to overrun a presidential veto by a two thirds majority and also the sole power to declare war. The Congress was also the body that was allowed to borrow money on behalf of the government and to regulate and regulate commerce between the states. This first function also gave the Congress the power to develop an army and exercise legislative powers over military establishments in the United States.
The second function that was accorded to Congress by the founding fathers was the exclusive power to effect impeachments as well as offer advice and give a nod on any treaty negotiated by members of the executive branch. Under this function, Congress was also responsible for confirming all the presidential appointees. This function was brought in to ensure that the executive did not take any decision or make appointments that were meant to reward his friends while disregarding the national good. The last function of the Congress as formulated by the Founding Fathers was laid out in Article 1, section 7 of the constitution where all...