Chapter 29 The Legislative Branch Section 2: The powers of Congress

Powers Given to Congress Promoting the general welfare Congress promotes the general welfare by making laws that help people live better. They also have the power to collect taxes and borrow money- they have the final approval of the governments budget.

Powers Given to the Congress Provide for the Common Defense Congress has the power to set up an army and a navy. Only Congress has the power to declare war.

Powers Given to the Congress Establish Justice Congress has the power to create federal courts below the Supreme Court. Congress also has the power to impeach an official such as the President or federal judge. Only the house can impeach, but the Senate can put the impeached person on trial.

How many Presidents have been impeached? 2 – Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton They were put on trial, but they did not get kicked out of office. *Richard Nixon Resigned the presidency before congress could impeach him

Elastic Clause The elastic clause gives the Congress unnamed powers. It allows Congress to make all laws that are "necessary and proper" for carrying out the listed powers.

Limits on the Power of Congress If you are in jail without a charge, a lawyer or a friend can get a writ of habeas corpus. This paper orders the police to bring you into court so the court can decide if the police have enough evidence. If there is not enough evidence, you must be let go. Congress cannot take this right from you.

Limits on the Power of Congress 5. The Constitution does not allow Congress to pass a bill of attainer. This convicts a person of a crime without a trial Congress cannot pass an ex post facto law. Such a law makes a particular act a crime, then it punishes people who did the act before the law was passed.