Section Outline 1 of 6 The Legislative Branch Section 2: The Powers of Congress I.Powers Given to Congress II.Limits on the Powers of Congress Section Reading Support Transparency

2 of 6 The Legislative Branch Section 2: The Powers of Congress Main Idea The Constitution grants Congress the specific and general powers to make laws. The Constitution also specifies limits to those powers. Key Terms Budget Bill of attainder

Powers Given to Congress Promoting General Welfare —Regulation of trade and business Example: Minimum Wage —Approval of the government’s budget (plan to raise and spend money) 3 of 6 The Legislative Branch Section 2: The Powers of Congress Providing for Defense —Ability to establish and maintain armed forces —Ability to declare war —War Powers Act, 1973

4 of 6 The Legislative Branch Section 2: The Powers of Congress Powers Given to Congress (continued) Establishing Justice —The power to create federal courts below the Supreme Court —The power to impeach government officials Nonlegislative Powers —Power to conduct investigations Example: Watergate (1972–1974) Unlisted Powers —Congress may make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out listed power. Example: coining money

5 of 6 The Legislative Branch Section 2: The Powers of Congress Limits on the Powers of Congress Executive and Judicial “Checks and Balance” —The Presidents may veto any law passed —The Supreme Court may declare a law unconstitutional Congress may not pass a Bill of Attainder or deprive a citizen of a Writ of Habeus Corpus —Citizens may not be convicted without a trial. —Citizens may not be held in jail unless there is some reasonable evidence against them.

6 of 6 The Legislative Branch: Section 2 Section Reading Support Transparency