Congressional Powers and Responsibilities

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Questions and Answers

What type of powers does the Constitution explicitly grant to Congress?

Stated powers.

What does the elastic clause allow Congress to do?

It allows Congress to do whatever is necessary to carry out its other powers.

Name three legislative powers of Congress.

Taxing, spending, and regulating foreign and interstate commerce.

Where must laws for raising money originate according to the Constitution?

In the House of Representatives. Signup and view all the answers

How many steps are involved in the process of funding a program?

Two steps. Signup and view all the answers

What type of power is exercised when Congress spends money?

Legislative power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the elastic clause?

To give Congress the authority to enact laws necessary to carry out its powers. Signup and view all the answers

What is required before Congress can allocate funds for a federal program?

An authorization establishing the program and its financial limits. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant legislation passed by Congress in 1973 regarding military involvement?

The War Powers Act. Signup and view all the answers

How has Congress's power to regulate commerce evolved over time?

It has expanded significantly to include a wide range of economic activities beyond just buying and selling. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the House of Representatives play in the removal of a federal official?

The House initiates the process by impeaching the official. Signup and view all the answers

What must the Senate do regarding presidential appointments?

The Senate must approve presidential appointments to office. Signup and view all the answers

What powers does Congress share with state legislatures concerning the Constitution?

The power to propose amendments to the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What is one function of Congress in relation to territories and federal property?

Congress has the power to govern territories and federal properties. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a president's treaties to be formalized?

They must be approved by the Senate. Signup and view all the answers

What does Congress regulate in addition to interstate commerce?

Congress regulates naturalization and the establishment of post offices and federal courts. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Congressional Powers

Constitutional Provisions:
- The Constitution grants Congress specific powers, also known as expressed powers.
- Congress also possesses implied powers, derived from the elastic clause, allowing them to act as needed to carry out enumerated powers.
Legislative Powers:
- Congress has the power to tax, spend, and regulate foreign and interstate commerce.
- Money-related laws (raising revenue) must originate in the House of Representatives.
- Approving spending requires a two-step process: first, a bill establishing a program and its budget limits; second, a separate bill funding the program.
- Congress has the power to coin money, borrow money, and impose taxes.
- Congress's power to regulate commerce has expanded beyond simple buying and selling to encompass a broad range of economic activity.
Nonlegislative Powers:
- Congress has roles beyond creating laws, including the removal of federal officials (impeachment and trial process). This involves House accusations, then a Senate trial.
- Senate approval is needed for presidential appointments and treaties.
- Congress has powers related to establishing post offices and federal courts.
- Congress also has powers regarding naturalization, admitting new states, governing territories, and federal property.
- The War Powers Act of 1973 mandates the president to inform Congress of military actions.
Congressional Functions:
- House and Senate have distinct roles in exercising their powers. The impeachment process demonstrates the respective responsibilities of the two houses.

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Description

Explore the powers granted to Congress by the Constitution, including both expressed and implied powers. This quiz covers legislative and non-legislative powers, taxation, and the regulatory authority of Congress. Test your knowledge on how Congress operates within the framework of American government.