#AP US Government: Congressional Power Playbook 🏛️

Welcome to your ultimate guide to mastering the legislative branch! Let's break down Congress, its powers, and the law-making process. This is designed to be your go-to resource the night before the exam, so let's make every minute count!

#Balancing the Policy-Making Process

Congress is bicameral, meaning it has two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. These were designed to balance each other out:

• House of Representatives:
  • Based on population, making it more responsive to the people.
  • Shorter terms (2 years) mean members are more attuned to public opinion.
  • More likely to take bold action.
• Senate:
  • Equal representation (2 senators per state), designed to represent state interests.
  • Acts as a check on the House.
  • Has unique powers like confirming presidential appointments and ratifying treaties.

#Powers of Congress

#Delegated Powers

These powers require both houses to work together. Think of it as a team effort! 🤝

• Taxation: Enforce taxes 💰
• Borrowing: Borrow money 🏦
• Commerce: Regulate commerce 🛒
• Military: Raise an army 🪖
• Courts: Create and make rules for federal courts ⚖️
• Naturalization: Establish naturalization laws 🛂
• Post Office: Establish post offices ✉️
• Militia: Provide a militia 🛡️
• Necessary and Proper Clause: Make laws necessary to carry out these powers (aka the Elastic Clause)

#Power of the Purse

Congress controls the money! This lets them:

• Influence the President and bureaucracy by controlling funding.
• Promote specific programs.
• Limit executive power.

#Unique Powers

• House of Representatives:
  • Initiates all tax laws and spending bills. 💸
  • The House Ways and Means Committee oversees this.
• Senate:
  • Confirms presidential nominations (federal judges, ambassadors, cabinet members). 👨‍⚖️
  • Ratifies treaties signed by the President. ✍️

#Restrictions on Congressional Power

Congress cannot:

• Pass bills of attainder (punishing someone without a trial).
• Pass ex post facto laws (making something illegal after it was done).
• Levy export taxes.
• Grant titles of nobility.

#Committees and Constitutional Responsibilities

Committees are the workhorses of Congress. Th...