Question

Identify and describe the three most important powers Congress has, and explain why you think they rank as such.

Answer 1

Answer-

Congress is one of three co-equal branches of the federal government, along with the judicial branch, represented by the courts, and the executive branch, represented by the presidency.

The powers of the United States Congress are set forth in Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution.The powers explicitly defined by the Constitution are called the “enumerated powers." Other powers not specifically listed in Section 8, but assumed to exist, are called “implied powers."

Making Laws

Of all the powers of Congress, none is more important than its enumerated power to make laws.Article I of the Constitution sets forth the powers of Congress in specific language. Any senator or representative may introduce a bill, after which it is referred to the appropriate legislative committee for hearings. The committee, in turn, debates the measure, possibly offering amendments, and then votes on it.

If approved, the bill heads back to the chamber from which it came, where the full body will vote on it. Assuming lawmakers approve the measure, it will be sent to the other chamber for a vote.

If the measure clears Congress, it is ready for the president's signature. But if each of the bodies approved differing legislation, it must be resolved in a joint congressional committee before being voted on again by both chambers.

The legislation then goes to the White House, where the president may either sign it into law or veto it. Congress, in turn, has the power to override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

Amending the Constitution

Congress has the power to amend the Constitution, though this is a long and arduous process.

Both chambers must approve the proposed constitutional amendment by a two-thirds majority, after which the measure is sent to the states. The amendment must then be approved by three-quarters of the state legislatures.

The Power of the Purse --

Congress also has extensive powers over financial and budgetary issues. These include powers to:

Levy and collect taxes, duties, and excise fees

Allocate money to pay the government’s debts

Borrow money on the credit of the United States

Regulate commerce between the states and other nations

Coin and print money

Allocate money to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.

Armed Forces

The power to raise and maintain armed forces is the responsibility of Congress, and it has the power to declare war. The Senate, but not the House of Representatives, has the power to approve treaties with foreign governments as well.

These are the most important power congress has which can chage the conditions of a country.