Constitutional Law-I

Role & Powers of

US Congress
by
Waqas Qadeer Shaikh
ROLE AND POWERS
OF US CONGRESS
The United States Congress is the
legislative branch of the federal
government of the United States. It is
a bicameral body, meaning it is
composed of two separate chambers:
Senate & House of Representatives.
Together, these two chambers work
to create, amend, and pass federal
laws that govern the country. The
United States Congress, as the
legislative branch of the federal
government, plays a vital role in the
American political system. Its powers
and responsibilities are outlined in
the US Constitution, and it has a
significant impact on shaping the
laws and policies that govern the
nation. Here is an overview of the
role and powers of the US Congress:
 Legislative Powers

• The primary and most

significant power of the US
Congress is its authority to
make laws. This legislative
power is vested in both the
Senate and the House of
Representatives. Members of
Congress can propose bills on
various issues, and once a bill
is introduced, it goes through a
series of readings, committee
hearings, and debates. If the bill
passes both chambers and is
signed by the President, it
becomes law.
 Budget and
Appropriations Powers
• Congress holds the power of the
purse, granting it authority over
the federal budget and
appropriations. Each financial
year, Congress must pass a
budget to allocate funds to
various government programs
and agencies. The process of
appropriations involves careful
consideration of spending
priorities and negotiations to
determine how taxpayer money
will be allocated.
 Oversight Powers

• Congress plays a crucial role in

overseeing the executive branch
and federal agencies. This
oversight power enables
Congress to ensure that
government actions are
conducted in accordance with
the law and the Constitution.
Through committee hearings,
investigations, and inquiries,
Congress can hold executive
officials accountable and
address potential abuses of
power.
 Impeachment and
Removal Powers
• Congress has the authority to
impeach and remove federal
officials, including the President,
Vice President, and federal
judges, for "high crimes and
misdemeanours." The House of
Representatives initiates
impeachment proceedings by
drafting and approving articles of
impeachment. The Senate then
holds a trial to determine
whether the official should be
removed from office, requiring a
two-thirds majority vote for
conviction.
 Foreign Relations
Powers
• Congress plays a significant role
in shaping the nation's foreign
policy. The Senate has the
power to ratify treaties
negotiated by the President with
foreign countries.

• Additionally, Congress can

influence foreign relations
through funding decisions,
oversight of diplomatic
activities, and the approval of
arms sales to other nations.
 Commerce
Regulation Powers
• Congress has the authority
to regulate commerce both
within and between states,
as granted by the
Commerce Clause of the
Constitution. This power
allows Congress to pass
laws that impact the
national economy, regulate
trade, and ensure a uniform
regulatory framework for
interstate commerce.
 War Powers

• While the President is the

Commander-in-Chief of the
armed forces, Congress holds
the power to declare war.
Congress can also authorize
the use of military force in
specific situations. The War
Powers Resolution of 1973
requires the President to
notify Congress within 48
hours of deploying troops in
combat and limits the
duration of military
engagements without
congressional approval.
 Confirming
Appointments and
Nominations
• The Senate plays a significant
role in the appointment of
federal officials. It must
confirm the President's
nominations for federal
judges, cabinet members, and
other key positions. This
confirmation process ensures
that qualified and suitable
individuals serve in important
government roles.
Amendments to the
Constitution
• Congress has the power to
propose amendments to the
US Constitution. To do so,
two- thirds of both the
House and the Senate must
approve the proposed
amendment. Once
approved, the amendment
must be ratified by three-
fourths of the state
legislatures to become part
of the Constitution.
 Investigative
Powers
• Congress has the authority
to conduct investigations on
various matters of public
interest and concern.
Through congressional
committees, Congress can
gather information, hold
hearings, and request
documents and testimonies
from individuals and
agencies. These
investigations are essential
in forming legislative
decisions and ensuring
transparency in government
operations.