powers in govt

house

435 members

house

members serve 2 year terms

house

representatives elected based on population of each state

senate

100 members with two senators from each state

senate

serve 6 year terms

senate

elections staggered: one third of members up for reelection every 2 years

house

initiate revenue bills (bills related to taxation)

house

impeach federal officers

senate

act as court for impeachment trials (2/3 majority to convict)

senate

approve major presidential appointments

senate

approve presidential treaties with foreign nations (2/3 majority)

president

supervises government departments and agencies.

president

Recommends policy measures to Congress and sets the policy agenda (State of the Union address).

president

Highest-ranking officer in the armed forces, though Congress declares war.

president

Makes treaties (with Senate consent), recognizes foreign nations, convenes Congress.

president

Appoints officials (judges, cabinet heads) with Senate confirmation, grants pardons and reprieves.

president

Directives issued to executive branch officials and agencies to implement or modify public policy without direct congressional approval. These are inferred powers

president

make policy changes without congressional approval, often used when facing gridlock or to undo prior administrations' policies. This is particularly effective when presidential approval ratings are high.

congress

declare war

congress

raise and support army and navy

congress

borrow and coin money

congress

regulate interstate commerce

congress

create federal courts

congress

create federal courts

congress

establish rules for naturalization and immigration

congress

elastic clause allows for laws to be made when needed in carrying out enumerated powers