Which of the following is NOT a power of Congress under Article I, Section 8?

Which of the following is NOT a power of Congress under Article I, Section 8?

• A. Coin money
• B. Appoint federal judges
• C. Regulate commerce
• D. Declare war

Answer: (B)

Powers assigned to Congress in Article I, Section 8 are specific legislative authorities, while appointment of federal judges is part of the executive branch with a Senate check. The President nominates judges, and the Senate must confirm them, creating a deliberate check on who becomes a federal judge. Congress itself does not appoint judges, though it can impeach and remove them. The other actions listed—coin money, regulate commerce, and declare war—are explicit congressional powers: coining money is a direct authority granted to Congress; regulating commerce falls under the Commerce Clause; and declaring war is a formal legislative power. So appointing federal judges is not a congressional power, making it the correct choice.

Powers assigned to Congress in Article I, Section 8 are specific legislative authorities, while appointment of federal judges is part of the executive branch with a Senate check. The President nominates judges, and the Senate must confirm them, creating a deliberate check on who becomes a federal judge. Congress itself does not appoint judges, though it can impeach and remove them. The other actions listed—coin money, regulate commerce, and declare war—are explicit congressional powers: coining money is a direct authority granted to Congress; regulating commerce falls under the Commerce Clause; and declaring war is a formal legislative power. So appointing federal judges is not a congressional power, making it the correct choice.