Powers of the Legislative Branch

Powers of CongressHouse of Representatives and Senate

• Coin and borrow money• Control commerce• Approve the budget• Make laws• Declare war• Levy taxes• Amend the Constitution• Run the Postal system• Maintain armed forces• Regulate immigration and naturalization

Powers of the House of Representatives

• Start impeachment proceedings• Begin bills raising money (appropriation bills) • Select the president if no candidate wins with

the minimum number of electoral votes

Powers of the Senate

• Approve presidential appointments• Impeachment trials are held in the Senate• All treaties with foreign nations must be

approved by 2/3 of the Senate