Constitution Breakdown #3: Sen. Elizabeth Warren cover art
← 99% Invisible

Constitution Breakdown #3: Sen. Elizabeth Warren

Oct 31, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min

This is the third episode of our ongoing series breaking down the U.S. Constitution.

This month, Roman and Elizabeth dive into Article One, Sections 8 through 10, which spells out what Congress can and cannot do. They unpack everything from the Commerce Clause to the taxing and spending powers, the Necessary and Proper Clause, and even a few long-forgotten quirks like letters of marque and reprisal.

Then, Senator Elizabeth Warren joins to talk about Congress’s “power of the purse,” how it’s being challenged under President Trump, and what it means for the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches.

Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of 99% Invisible ad-free and a whole week early. 

Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Recall Sets —enrichment items —recommended —
Sign in to favorite

Listen — make it stick

0:00 / 1:09:24
Speed 1×⤢ Companion mode
React at the exact second

Moments

Sign in to comment on this exact moment.

Sign in to join

Loading the timeline…

Recall — what you keep

Recall Sets

+ Author a Recall Set

Loading your Recall Sets…

Enrich — the context around it

Enrichment

    Discuss — members in the know

    Episode discussion

    Members in the know

    Opening the room…