significance of pwoers

• • significane of powers
  • Article I of the Constitution outlines the powers of Congress, including:
  • The exclusive power to declare war
  • Power over financial matters (e.g., taxes)
  • Power to impeach and try members of the executive and judiciary
  • These powers are entrenched, requiring a supermajority in both houses to change.
  • Entrenchment ensures the President cannot overrule Congress on certain issues, keeping the President’s power checked.
• Effectiveness of powers

  • Congress has the power to levy taxes, including income taxes since 1913.
  • Congress controls major laws and can override a presidential veto.
  • Congress uses the power of the purse to check the executive branch.
  • Congress has implied powers through the "necessary and proper" clause, allowing it to expand its authority.
• Less effective

  • The increasing use of executive orders by presidents has made the Constitutional powers of congress less effective.
  • Presidents have initiated wars without consent from Congress, making the Constitutional power to declare war less effective.
  • For example, the Vietnam War never received consent from Congress.