1. Congressional Powers
Objective 2.3

2. Expressed and Implied Powers
Expressed powers - are those powers listed in Article I of the Constitution.
Implied powers - those powers not stated explicitly in the Constitution.

3. Expressed Powers The power to... collect taxes, borrow money,
regulate foreign and interstate commerce,
set up a postal system,
The power to…maintain armed services,
declare war,
and to regulate immigration and naturalization.

4. Nonlegislative Powers
These powers enable government to operate more effectively and help to check powers of other branches of government.
For example…
Congress has the power to propose amendments to the Constitution, investigate legislation or activities of the executive branch, and to impeach.

5. The Power to Impeach Impeach –
one of Congress’s most important non-legislative powers; to accuse government officials of wrongdoing, put them on trial, and if necessary, remove them from office.

6. Special Powers of Congress
The Constitution reserves special powers for each house of Congress; the Senate and the House of Representatives.

7. Special Powers of the House
Impeachment proceedings.
Choose president if no candidate wins a majority in the Electoral College.
Introduce tax bills and appropriations or bills that involve money.

8. Special Powers in the Senate
Acting as the jury in an impeachment trial.
Ratifying treaties with other countries.
Approve or reject the President’s appointments.

9. Limits to Congressional Power
Article I of the Constitution also forbids Congress from interfering with the legal rights of individuals.
The Bill of Rights also denies Congress certain powers.
The Supreme Court can declare a law unconstitutional.
Article I Section 9- Congress may NOT:
favor one state over another,
tax interstate commerce,
or tax exports.
Congress cannot pass laws without money to finance them.