what powers does the legislative branch have
The legislative branch’s main power is to make laws , but it also controls money, war decisions, and checks the other branches of government.
Core powers (big picture)
- Making and changing federal laws through Congress (House + Senate).
- Controlling federal spending and the budget (taxes, tariffs, and how money is used).
- Checking the president and courts through impeachment, confirmations, and veto overrides.
Key constitutional powers
Most traditional powers of the U.S. legislative branch are listed in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. These include the power to:
- Borrow money for the United States.
- Regulate commerce (trade) with foreign nations and between states.
- Coin money and set rules about its value.
- Establish post offices.
- Declare war and support the military.
There is also the “necessary and proper” (elastic) clause, which lets Congress pass laws needed to carry out these listed powers, giving it flexibility as times change.
Special House and Senate powers
Within the legislative branch, each chamber has some unique powers that affect how the government works.
- House of Representatives:
- Starts revenue (tax) bills.
* Brings articles of impeachment against federal officials, including the president.
- Senate:
- Holds impeachment trials and can remove officials with a two‑thirds vote.
* Confirms presidential appointments, like judges and top executive officials.
* Ratifies treaties made by the president.
Checks on the other branches
Even though the president can veto bills, Congress can override a veto with a two‑thirds vote in both houses, which is a major check on executive power. Congress can also investigate possible wrongdoing in government and call witnesses under oath, which reinforces its oversight role.
TL;DR: The legislative branch makes laws, controls federal money, approves key officials and treaties, can declare war, and keeps the president and courts in check through impeachment, oversight, and veto overrides.