In this article you will learn about the Powers of the US Congress in Political Science.
Powers of the US Congress
The United States Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government and is responsible for making laws that govern the country. The powers of the US Congress are outlined in the Constitution and have evolved over time through legislation, judicial interpretation, and political practice. In this article, we will explore the various powers of the US Congress.
Legislative Powers : The primary power of the US Congress is to create laws. This includes the ability to introduce, debate, and pass bills, which can then be signed into law by the President. Congress also has the power to impeach and remove federal officials, including the President, Vice President, and federal judges, if they are found to have committed crimes or engaged in other forms of misconduct. The legislative powers of the Congress can be classed as : (1) Delegated Powers, (2) Implied Powers, and (3) Concurrent Powers.
- Delegated Powers : These powers are those which the Congress derives from the specific enumeration in the Constitution as well as the powers that arise from the fact that the US is a sovereign state. This category includes the power to tax, to conduct foreign affairs, to raise and support armed forces and to declare war etc.
- Implied Powers : These powers of the Congress mean the power which have not been specifically delegated powers. These powers can be reasonably and rationally inferred and deduced from the delegated powers.
- Concurrent Powers : These are the law-making powers which have been given by the Constitution to the Congress as well as to the state legislatures.
Executive Powers : The Constitution vests the executive powers in the President of the US. Nevertheless, the Congress, particularly its Upper House – the Senate, has been given some executive powers. All appointments made by the President become effective only when approved by the Senate. All the treaties made by the President become operative only when the Senate ratifies these by a 2/3rd majority.
Financial Powers : The Congress is the custodian of federal finances and it controls the national purse. It alone has the power to tax and can pass the budget and appropriates the revenue. It also decides the quantum of foreign aid that the US gives to other states.
Foreign Policy Powers : Congress has the power to regulate foreign commerce and trade, declare war, and make treaties with foreign nations. This gives Congress a significant role in shaping US foreign policy, including the ability to limit the President's authority to conduct military operations abroad. Congress can also use its foreign policy powers to influence the actions of other countries and promote US interests around the world.
Judicial Powers : Congress has the power to create and organise federal courts, as well as to define federal crimes and establish penalties for them. Congress can also use its judicial powers to impeach and remove federal judges, as well as to regulate the jurisdiction of the courts.
Constituent Powers : The Congress has the right to initiate amendments to the Constitution. Article V of the US Constitution gives to the Congress the power to initiate proposals for constitutional amendments by 2/3rd majorities in both the Houses. Such amendments, however, become parts of the Constitution only when these secure ratification from 3/4th of the states of the federation.
Electoral Powers : Congress has the power to regulate federal elections, including the ability to set the date of the election, establish the rules for voting and counting ballots, and determine the qualifications for holding federal office. Congress can also use its electoral powers to investigate allegations of election fraud or irregularities.
In conclusion, the powers of the US Congress are vast and varied. From its primary responsibility of creating laws to its oversight of the executive branch, regulation of foreign policy, and influence over the judicial system, Congress plays a critical role in shaping the direction of the country. Understanding these powers is essential for anyone who wishes to participate in the political process and help shape the future of the United States.
This article on Powers of the US Congress in Political Science is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.