Congressional Powers
Expressed Power: One of the most important expressed powers that congress has is the power to declare war. Article I section 8 of the Constitution states that "Congress shall have Power To ...declare War...." and is known as the War Powers clause. This phrase in the Constitution directly vests the power to declare war in the hands of Congress, so it is interpreted that the President can not initiate combat him/herself. The clause was intended to include the power of Congress to issue formal declarations, as well as to defy the authority of the President to initiate hostilities without the consent of the legislature.
Non Legislative Power: Congress is given the power to confirm or deny the appointments made by the President. The Constitution requires the President to receive the advice of the Senate when making major appointments to the Supreme Court, the cabinet, or other executive agencies. For the President's nominee to take office, the majority of the Senate must confirm the appointment. This is a unique and important power of congress because it keeps people out of office that the people may not be happy with and it is a good check on presidential power.
Expressed Power: One of the most important expressed powers that congress has is the power to declare war. Article I section 8 of the Constitution states that "Congress shall have Power To ...declare War...." and is known as the War Powers clause. This phrase in the Constitution directly vests the power to declare war in the hands of Congress, so it is interpreted that the President can not initiate combat him/herself. The clause was intended to include the power of Congress to issue formal declarations, as well as to defy the authority of the President to initiate hostilities without the consent of the legislature.
Non Legislative Power: Congress is given the power to confirm or deny the appointments made by the President. The Constitution requires the President to receive the advice of the Senate when making major appointments to the Supreme Court, the cabinet, or other executive agencies. For the President's nominee to take office, the majority of the Senate must confirm the appointment. This is a unique and important power of congress because it keeps people out of office that the people may not be happy with and it is a good check on presidential power.