Growing Congressional Powers

Are you concerned about the growing powers of the United States Congress, or just not quite sure what actions the governing body is entitled to take? Article I of the United States Constitution spells out what powers and limitations the representatives possess.

The Constitution

• Which end of the political spectrum your views fall under typically determines how you feel about the growth of congressional powers. The framers of the living document which governs the United States vested specific limits of the powers of the three governing branches, creating a series of checks and balances..

Political Views

• Strick "constitutionists" often believe Congress has stepped over the line with its powerful arm for the past 50 years. Liberal thinkers hold the belief that weighing in on social issues and imposing more federal laws onto the states isn't too far of a stretch of congressional authority.

Congressional Powers

• Article I states that Congress has the authority to amend the constitution by a two-thirds majority vote. Congress has the authority to create money, assess and collect taxes. Congress can regulate commerce with states and foreign countries. Maintaining the military and declaring war also comes under congressional authority. Congress can appropriate funds for infrastructure and the judicial branch and investigate national issues of importance.