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Civics · American Government

The Powers of Congress

The Constitution gives Congress all the legislative powers of the federal government. Explore the specific, enumerated powers granted to the House and Senate under Article I.

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The Powers of Congress

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Taxation

The Constitution gives Congress all its legislative powers.

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Borrowing

"The Congress shall have power ...

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Regulation of Commerce

"The Congress shall have power ...

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Naturalization and Bankruptcy

"The Congress shall have power.

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Coining Money

"The Congress shall have power ...

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Punishing Counterfeiters

"The Congress shall have power ...

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Establishing Post Offices

"The Congress shall have power ...

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Copyrights and Patents

Power of Congress on Copyright.

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Establishing a Court System

"The Congress shall have power ...

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Piracy

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Making War

The Constitution gives Congress the sole responsibility of making war.

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Power over Territory

The Congress shall have power ...

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Implied Powers

"The Congress shall have power ...

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Presidential Elections

"Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution explains that, if the Electoral College fails to elect a President, " the House of Representatives shall im…

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Amending the Constitution

The Congress can propose a constitutional amendment, if it is passed by a two-thirds majority in both houses.

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Impeachment

According to the Constitution, the President, the Vice President and all civil officers can be removed from office by impeachment and conviction.

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Investigations

"The Congress has the power to conduct investigations for the purpose of making laws, reviewing the effectiveness of current laws, or seeing whether p…

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Executive Powers

Congress has two executive powers: First, the Senate must confirm (approve) any Presidential appointments by a majority vote.

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HistoryCentral

A History of Government Shutdowns

When Congress and the President fail to fund the government.

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