Constitutional Powers of Congress

Summary of Constitutionally Granted Powers to Congress

To levy and collect taxes;
To borrow money for the public treasury;
To make rules and regulations governing commerce among the states and with foreign countries;
To make uniform rules for the naturalization of foreign citizens;
To coin money, state its value, and provide for the punishment of counterfeiters;
To set the standards for weights and measures;
To establish bankruptcy laws for the country as a whole;
To establish post offices and post roads;
To issue patents and copyrights;
To set up a system of federal courts;
To punish piracy;
To declare war;
To raise and support armies;
To provide for a navy;
To call out the militia to enforce federal laws, suppress lawlessness, or repel invasions;
To make all laws for the seat of government (Washington, D.C.);
To make all laws necessary and proper to carry into effect the aforenamed powers;
To determine rules for its proceedings (House and Senate);
To fill a vacancy in the vice presidency upon recommendation of the President;
To elect the President (House) and Vice President (Senate) when the Electoral College fails to do so;
To to impeach federal officials (House)
To try impeached federal officials (Senate)