Legislature in Action

Delegated Powers

Powers explicitly written in the US Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated but derived from expressed powers.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Final clause in Article I, Section 8, enabling implied powers.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by state legislatures and Congress.

Reserved Powers

Powers given to states, not granted to national government.

Standing Committees

Permanent committees considering all bills of similar subjects.

Subcommittees

Divisions within committees for more specialized consideration.

House Rules Committee

Controls the flow of bills to the House floor.

Select Committees

Temporary committees for specific purposes or investigations.

Joint Committees

Committees with members from both houses of Congress.

Conference Committees

Temporary committees resolving differences in bill versions.

Article I, Section 8

Section of Constitution detailing Congress's expressed powers.

Division of Labor

Necessary due to large size and crowded agendas.

Committee Recommendations

Decisions made by committees are often respected by members.

Legislative Process

Most work in Congress occurs within committees.