Functions of congress Flashcards
Congresses main role - making laws
Congress and Taxation
Congress levies taxes and allocates federal funds.
Example: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017) overhauled the tax code and reduced corporate tax rates.
Congress levies taxes and allocates federal funds.
Congress and
Borrowing Money
Congress authorises borrowing to finance government operations.
Example: In 2023, Congress approved raising the debt ceiling to prevent default.
Congress and Declaring War
Congress alone has the power to declare war.
Example: After 9/11, Congress passed the Authorisation for Use of Military Force (2001) to combat terrorism.
Congress and Regulating commerce
Regulates interstate and international trade.
Example: The Civil Rights Act (1964) used the Commerce Clause to prohibit discrimination in public accommodations.
Congress and Maintaining Armed Forces
Congress funds and oversees the military.
Example: The National Defense Authorisation Act is passed annually to allocate military funding.
Impeachment and Removal
The House impeaches, and the Senate conducts the trial and may remove officials.
Example: President Donald Trump was impeached twice (2019, 2021), though acquitted by the Senate.
Congress can Approve Treaties
The Senate must approve treaties by a two-thirds vote.
Example: The Senate ratified the New START Treaty (2010), limiting U.S. and Russian nuclear weapons.
Congress and Confirming Presidential Appointments
Confirm Appointments – The Senate confirms presidential appointments.
Example: The Senate confirmed Ketanji Brown Jackson (2022) to the Supreme Court.
Congress and Oversight and Investigation
Congress investigates the executive branch and other entities.
Example: The January 6th Committee (2021-2022) investigated the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Congress can override POTUS vetos
Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote.
Example: Congress overrode Obama’s veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (2016).
Congress can control neutralisation
Establishes rules for citizenship and immigration.
Example: The Immigration and Nationality Act (1965) reformed immigration quotas.
Congress can establish Lower Courts
Congress establishes federal courts below the Supreme Court.
Example: The Judiciary Act (1789) created lower federal courts.
Congress can Regulate Money
Congress controls the minting and regulation of money.
Example: The Coinage Act (1873) standardized U.S. currency.
Congress establish Postal Services
Establishes and oversees the postal system.
Example: The Postal Reorganization Act (1970) created the U.S. Postal Service.
