4 powers given to congress by the constitution?

Answer 1

The powers of Congress are defined in Article I, section 8 of the Constitution: * To lay and collect taxes, duties, imports, and excises * To borrow money * To regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the states * To establish rules for naturalization and bankruptcy * To coin money * To fix the standard of weights and measures * To establish a post office and post roads * To issue patents and copyrights * To create courts (other than the Supreme Court) * To define and punish piracies * To declare war * To raise and support an army and navy * To provide for a militia * To exercise exclusive legislative powers over the District of Columbia and other federal facilities In addition the "elastic" clause (also called the ãnecessary and properä clause) allowed the government to "make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States." The Constitution also gives each house of Congress some special, exclusive powers. Such powers given to the House of Representatives are: * Revenue bills must originate in the House of Representatives. Although this power is still honored today, it tends to have blurred over the years. Often budget bills are considered simultaneously in both houses, and tax policy has also become a major initiative of the President. * Impeachment power, the authority to charge the president, vice president, and other ãcivil officersä with ãhigh crimes and misdemeanorsä is given to the House. The Senate conducts trials for impeachment, but only the House may make the charge. Special, exclusive powers given to the Senate are * Major presidential appointments must be confirmed by the Senate. The Senate offers ãadvice and consentä to the president by a majority vote regarding the appointments of federal judges, ambassadors, and Cabinet positions. * Treaties with other nations entered into by the President must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Senate. This provision is an illustration of checks and balances, and it has served as a very important restriction to foreign policy powers of the American President. Important Constitutional Differences between the House and Senate

* House

* ** Initiates all revenue bills ** Initiates impeachment procedures and passes articles of impeachment ** Two-year terms ** 453 members (apportioned by population) ** Members at least 25 years of age, 7 years a citizen * Senate * ** Must confirm many major presidential appointments ** Tries impeachment officials ** Six-year terms (One-third up for reelection every two years) ** 100 members (two from each state) ** Senators at least 30 years of age, 9 years a citizen ** Approves treaties

Answer 2

1. The power to make laws: Congress has the authority to create and pass legislation on a wide range of issues, from taxation and spending to national defense and social policy.
2. The power to declare war: Only Congress, not the president, has the authority to declare war and initiate military action.
3. The power to regulate commerce: Congress can regulate interstate and foreign trade, ensuring a fair and orderly economic system.
4. The power of the purse: Congress controls the allocation of government funds and can levy taxes, collect revenue, and appropriate money for various government programs and activities.