The document discusses the powers of the legislative branch of the United States government. It states that the legislative branch is made up of Congress, which has the power to make laws, collect taxes, declare war, and approve spending. It notes that over 10,000 bills are introduced each year, and that committees debate and discuss bills to help Congress perform its lawmaking role.

1. Ch 8, Sec 2: How the Federal
Government Works
Main Idea: The United States
government is divided into three
branches with separate roles and
responsibilities.

2. The Legislative Branch
Set up by the first and longest article of
the Constitution.

3. The Legislative Branch
Powers of Congress:

Congress has the lawmaking power, or the
power to make bills
 Bills can start in both houses
 Once they are passed by both houses, they go
to the president, who signs them.
 Appropriation bills must start in the House
 Congress also has the power to:

Collect taxes, borrow money, coin money, make post
offices, fix weights and measures, and declare war

4. The Legislative Branch
The Elastic Clause:

Article I, section 8 states that Congress
can
 “Make all laws that are proper and necessary”

This is call the elastic clause because
 It stretches the power of Congress

5. The Legislative Branch
Committees:


Today more than 10,000 bills are
introduced in Congress a year.
The purpose of Committees is to:
 Debate and discuss bills

6. The Legislative Branch
Committees:


Today more than 10,000 bills are
introduced in Congress a year.
The purpose of Committees is to:
 Debate and discuss bills