1. The Powers of Congress

2. Sovereign Powers
Congress can provide for the “common defense and general welfare of the United States.”
Can create an armed force
Only Congress can declare war

3. Financial Powers Congress has the power to raise taxes
Duties=taxes on imports
Excises=taxes on gasoline, alcohol, tobacco
Congress has the power to spend money
Accepts or rejects the President’s budget

4. Regulating and Promoting Trade
Congress has the power, according to the Constitution, to regulate commerce
Coin money, establish value of money
Sets standards of weights and measurement
Establish post offices
Issue copyrights and patents

5. Copyrights and Patents
Copyrights=exclusive right to publish or sell a book, film, song, or video
Patent=exclusive right to produce or sell an invention

6. Power over the Courts Congress can set up federal courts
Sets number of justices in courts link

7. Implied Powers
Elastic Clause=gives Congress the right to pass any laws that are necessary and proper to carry out its functions
Article 1 Section 8 link

8. Legislative Veto
Congress can review or cancel any action taken by the President

9. Other Functions of Congress
Impeach the President
Approve the President’s cabinet, ambassadors, Supreme Court Justices
Admit new states
Propose new amendments

10. Qualifications to Be a Member of Congress
Constitutional Requirements:
Senator=30 years old, citizen for 9 years
Representative=25 years old, citizen for 7 years
Both must live in the state they are representing
Link to Profile of 112th Congress

11. Qualifications of Be a Member of Congress
Members of Congress are usually re-elected
Incumbent=those already in office
Why are members usually re-elected?
Gain a name
Cut redtape for constituents link
Use office to help people

12. Congressional Salaries and Privileges
$174,000 link
Free phone calls
Franking privilege=free postal service
Travel allowance

13. Congressional Salaries and Privileges
Freedom from Arrest
Exempt from traffic violations, civil suits
Can be arrested for criminal charges
Freedom of Expression
Cannot be accused of slander for speeches on the floor of Congress

14. Punishments
Censure=officially declaring disapproval