Powers of Congress Chapter 6 Section 1

Section 1 Constitutional Provisions The expressed powers of Congress described in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. The necessary and proper clause implies that Congress has the power to do whatever is “necessary and proper” to carry out its powers. These implied powers have expanded Congress’ role to meet the nation’s needs.

Section 1 Legislative Powers Congress has expanded its legislative powers with its control over the economy—taxing, spending, and regulating commerce. Revenue bills, laws for raising money, start in the House and then go to the Senate.

Section 1 Legislative Powers (cont.) The legislative process for appropriations bills—laws proposed to authorize spending money—has developed through usage. Congress uses the “power of the purse” to regulate the economy.

Section 1 Legislative Powers (cont.) Congress has the power to borrow to pay for government costs. Congress’ money powers also include: the power to coin money and regulate its value, and the power to regulate foreign commerce and interstate commerce, or commerce among the states. The Powers of Congress

Section 1 Legislative Powers (cont.) Congress shares power with the president to make foreign and national defense policy. Congress has power over naturalization, the process by which immigrants become citizens. Congress has the power to grant copyrights and patents.

Section 1 Nonlegislative Powers The House is the chamber with power over impeachment—the formal accusation of misconduct in office. If the House votes to impeach, the Senate conducts a trial. A two-thirds vote of the senators present is required to convict and remove someone from office. Impeachment

Section 1 Nonlegislative Powers (cont.) The Senate must approve presidential appointments to office. The Senate must ratify formal treaties with other nations. Congress and state legislatures share the power to propose amendments to the Constitution.