Do Now The Constitution gives Congress the power to regulate money and commerce. Give three examples of how Congress uses those powers

Powers of Congress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nonlegislative Powers Shares with states the power to propose amendments.

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

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

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

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

Legislative Oversight Special investigations are instituted when wrongdoing is suspected.