Powers of the Branches

Powers of Congress as a whole

• Legislative Power: Creating, debating, and passing federal laws.

• Financial Powers: Laying and collecting taxes, paying debts, and borrowing money on U.S. credit

• Commerce Power: Regulating commerce with foreign nations, among the several states, and with Indian tribes.

• Military Powers: Declaring war, raising and supporting armies, providing a navy, and organizing the militia.

• Implied Powers: Making all laws "necessary and proper" for executing its enumerated powers.

• Oversight/Authority: Impeaching officials (House) and trying cases (Senate), confirming presidential nominations (Senate), and ratifying treaties (Senate).

• Amendment Power: Proposing amendments to the Constitution with a two-thirds vote.

Exclusive Powers of the Senate

The Exclusive Powers of the Senate include confirming presidential appointments, ratifying treaties, and trying impeachment cases.

Exclusive Powers of the House of Representatives

The Exclusive Powers of the House of Representatives include initiating revenue bills, impeaching federal officials, and electing the President in case of an Electoral College tie.

Powers of the Executive Branch

The core powers of the Executive Branch, outlined in Article II, include acting as Commander-in-Chief of the military, enforcing laws, nominating federal officials, negotiating treaties, granting pardons, and exercising veto authority. An implied power is issuing executive orders and executive privilege.

Powers of the Judicial Branch

The powers of the Judicial Branch, primarily established in Article III, include interpreting laws, resolving legal disputes under federal law, and determining the constitutionality of laws and executive actions. It is composed of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts.