Login or Sign Up

Ask a New Question

What are limitations of power does congress have

Congress has limited powers under the Constitution. These include the power to tax, borrow money, regulate interstate and foreign commerce, declare war, and raise and support armies. Congress also has the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. However, Congress cannot pass laws that violate the Constitution, and it cannot pass laws that infringe on the powers of the executive or judicial branches. Additionally, Congress cannot pass laws that violate the rights of individuals, such as the right to free speech or the right to bear arms.

Did you know?

Did you know that Congress, the legislative branch of the United States government, has several limitations on its power? The Founding Fathers intentionally designed the system with checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. Some key limitations of Congress include: 1. Limited Jurisdiction: Congress has the authority to make laws only on matters delegated to it by the Constitution. In other words, its power is limited to specific areas like taxation, defense, and commerce, while other matters are left to the states. 2. Separation of Powers: Congress must work alongside the other branches of government—the executive (President) and judicial (Courts)—to ensure a balance of power. It cannot, for instance, directly intervene in court proceedings or exercise executive functions like enforcing laws. 3. Constitutional Safeguards: Congress is bound by the Constitution, which protects individual rights and liberties. It cannot pass laws that infringe upon rights such as freedom of speech, religion, or due process. 4. Presidential Veto: While Congress makes laws, the President has the power to veto them. A presidential veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, though this is difficult to achieve. 5. Judicial Review: The Supreme Court has the authority to review laws passed by Congress and determine their constitutionality. If a law is found to violate the Constitution, it can be invalidated. Understanding these limitations helps us appreciate the delicate balance of power in the U.S. government, promoting accountability, protecting individual rights, and preventing any one branch from becoming too dominant.