Article I of the Constitution sets forth the powers of Congress in specific language. Section 8 states, "Congress shall have Power … To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof."
Laws aren't simply conjured out of thin air, of course. Any senator or congressman may introduce a bill, after which it is referred to the appropriate legislative committee for hearings. The committee, in turn, debates the measure, possibly offering amendments, then voting on it. If approved, the bill heads back to the chamber from which it came, where the full body will vote on it. Assuming lawmakers approve the measure, it will be sent to the other chamber for a vote.
Once the measure clears Congress, it is ready for the president. If both bodies have approved legislation that differs, it must be resolved in a joint congressional committee before being voted on again by both chambers. The legislation then goes to the White House, where the president may either sign it into law or veto it. Congress, in turn, has the power to override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
In addition, Congress has the power to amend the Constitution, though this is a long and arduous process. Both chambers must approve the proposed constitutional amendment by two-thirds majority, after which the measure is sent to the states. The amendment must then be approved by three-quarters of state legislatures.
Congress also has financial powers. In addition to the power to coin money, Congress is charged with assessing and collecting taxes. It also regulates commerce, both among the states and with foreign nations.
The power to raise and maintain armed forces is the responsibility of Congress, and it