notes for legislative branch

1. Powers of
Congress

2. Remember, Congress…
• Is the Legislative
Branch.
• They meet in the
Capitol Building in
Washington D.C.
• They are
entrusted with
making federal
laws.

3. Constitutional Provisions
• The powers of Congress are
limited by the Constitution
and the Bill of Rights.
• The powers of congress can
be found in Article 1 section
8 of the constitution

4. Constitutional
Provisions
• Expressed Powers
are clearly written
out in the
Constitution.
• Also called
Enumerated Powers.

5. Constitutional
Provisions
• Implied Powers are
those Congress has to
make laws that are
“necessary and proper.”
• It is in the “elastic
clause.”

6. Legislative Powers
• To impose taxes.
• To coin and print
money.
• To punish
counterfeiters.
• To make bankruptcy
laws.

7. Legislative Powers
• To raise and maintain
an army and navy.
• To support a militia.
• To punish traitors.
• To declare war.

8. Legislative Powers
• To manage
interstate commerce.
Congress has used
this to justify its
control over the
economy.

9. Legislative Powers
• To maintain a post
office and build
“post roads.”
• To issue patents,
copyrights, and
trademarks.

10. Legislative Powers
• To naturalize citizens.
1. File statement of intent.
2. Submit personal info.
3. Take oath and
demonstrate knowledge of
U.S. government.

11. Powers Denied Congress
• Cannot issue titles
of nobility.
• Cannot make a bill
of attainder.

12. Denied Powers
• Cannot pass an ex
post facto law.
• Cannot suspend
the writ of habeas
corpus.

13. Nonlegislative Powers
• Settle problems
from death,
incapacity, or
resignation of
President.

14. Nonlegislative Powers
• Shares with
states the power
to propose
amendments.

15. Nonlegislative Powers
• Authorizes the
establishment of
the court system
and cabinet
departments.

16. Special Nonlegislative
Powers of the Senate
• Approves presidential
appointments (majority vote)
• Approves treaties (2/3 vote)
• Can filibuster
• Hears impeachment trials
and decides verdict

17. Special Nonlegislative
Powers of the House
• Controls appropriations
• Selects president if there is
no winner of the electoral
college
• Investigates impeachment
charges

18. Legislative Oversight
• Review how
well the
Executive Branch
carries out laws
enacted by
Congress.

19. Legislative Oversight
• Special
investigations are
instituted when
wrongdoing is
suspected.