The Powers of Congress

Congress is one of three co-equal branches of the federal government, along with the judicial branch, represented by the courts, and the executive branch, represented by the presidency. The powers of the United States Congress are set forth in Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution. The constitutionally granted powers of Congress are further defined and interpreted by the rulings of the Supreme Court, and by its own rules, customs, and history. The powers explicitly defined by the Constitution are called the â€Å"enumerated powers. Other powers not specifically listed in Section 8, but assumed to exist, are called â€Å"implied powers. Not only does the Constitution define Congress powers in relation to the judicial and executive branches, it also places limits on it concerning power delegated to the individual states. Making Laws Of all the powers of Congress, none is more important than its enumerated power to make laws. Article I of the Constitution sets forth the powers of Congress in specific language. Section 8 states, Congress shall have Power †¦ To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof. Laws arent simply conjured out of thin air, of course. The legislative process is quite involved and designed to ensure proposed laws are given careful consideration.   Any senator or representative may introduce a bill, after which it is referred to the appropriate legislative committee for hearings. The committee, in turn, debates the measure, possibly offering amendments, and then votes on it. If approved, the bill heads back to the chamber from which it came, where the full body will vote on it. Assuming lawmakers approve the measure, it will be sent to the other chamber for a vote. If the measure clears Congress, it is ready for the presidents signature. But if each of the bodies approved differing legislation, it must be resolved in a joint congressional committee before being voted on again by both chambers. The legislation then goes to the White House, where the president may either sign it into law or veto it. Congress, in turn, has the power to override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers. Amending the Constitution Congress has the power to amend the Constitution, though this is a long and arduous process. Both chambers must approve the proposed constitutional amendment by a two-thirds majority, after which the measure is sent to the states. The amendment must then be approved by three-quarters of the state legislatures. The Power of the Purse Congress also has extensive powers over financial and budgetary issues. These include powers to: Levy and collect taxes, duties, and excise feesAllocate money to pay the government’s debtsBorrow money on the credit of the United StatesRegulate commerce between the states and other nationsCoin and print moneyAllocate money to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States The Sixteenth Amendment, ratified in 1913, extended Congress’ power of taxation to include income taxes. Its power of the purse is one of Congress primary checks and balances on the actions of the executive branch. Armed Forces The power to raise and maintain armed forces is the responsibility of Congress, and it has the power to declare war. The Senate, but not the House of Representatives, has the power to approve treaties with foreign governments as well. Other Powers and Duties Congress has the power to establish post offices and maintain postal infrastructure. It also appropriates funds for the judicial branch. Congress can establish other agencies to keep the country running smoothly as well. Bodies such as the Government Accountability Office and the National Mediation Board ensure the monetary appropriations and laws that Congress passes are applied properly. Congress can investigate pressing national issues. For example, it held hearings in the 1970s to investigate the Watergate burglary that ultimately ended the presidency of Richard Nixon. It is also charged with supervising and providing a balance for the executive and judicial branches. Each house has exclusive duties as well. The House can initiate laws that require people to pay taxes and can decide whether public officials should be tried if accused of a crime. Congressional representatives are elected to two-year terms, and the Speaker of the House is second in line to succeed the president after the vice president. The Senate is responsible for confirming presidential appointments of Cabinet members, federal judges, and foreign ambassadors. The Senate also tries any federal official accused of a crime, once the House determines that a trial is in order. Senators are elected to six-year terms; the vice president presides over the Senate and has the right to cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie.​ The Implied Powers of Congress In addition to the explicit powers enumerated in Section 8 of the Constitution, Congress also has additional implied powers derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause of the Constitution, which permits it, â€Å"To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof.† Through the Supreme Court’s many interpretations of the Necessary and Proper Clause and the Commerce Clause—the enumerated power to regulate interstate commerce—such as McCulloch v Maryland, the true range of the lawmaking powers of Congress extends far beyond those enumerated in Section 8. Updated by Robert Longley   Phaedra Trethan is a freelance writer who also works as a copy editor for the Camden Courier-Post. She formerly worked for the Philadelphia Inquirer, where she wrote about books, religion, sports, music, films, and restaurants.