99% Invisible Constitution Breakdown #2: Rep. Sharice Davids
42 snips
Sep 27, 2025 
Sharice Davids, U.S. Representative for Kansas's 3rd district and one of the first Native American women in Congress, joins the conversation to shed light on congressional procedures and her role under the Constitution. She discusses common misconceptions about lawmaking, the importance of understanding House rules, and navigating Congress as a newcomer. Davids also touches on impeachment, Native American representation, and the nuances of legislative timelines. The discussion expands to constitutional issues around presidential tariff authority, emphasizing the balance of power.
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Article I Defines Congressional Power
- Article I vests federal lawmaking in a bicameral Congress and limits federal power to what the Constitution grants.
- Section 8 lists key powers like taxing and regulating interstate commerce that enable Congress's authority.
Legal Background Shaped Her View
- Sharice Davids explained her prior legal work at the intersection of federal Indian law and corporate finance.
- Her background shaped how she understood Congress's plenary power over tribes and federal relationships.
Unwritten Rules Run Congress
- The Constitution omits committee structures and detailed lawmaking steps that actually govern Congress.
- Committees, CRS briefings, and Rules shape daily lawmaking far beyond Article I's broad text.
