What kind of laws does congress make

If it is not rejected then it continues to move through different committees and subcommittees where the bill is debated. After a bill has been approved by a full committee, it is voted on. After one chamber has approved it, it is sent to the other for debate and approval. Once it has passed both chambers, it goes to the President who then vetoes it or signs it into law. If the chambers approve different versions of the bill then they need to be resolved in a joint congressional committee.

Even if the President vetoes a bill, Congress can still turn it into law although it requires two-thirds majority in both chambers of Congress. In addition to passing laws, the legislative branch also has the power to amend the Constitution. State courts can review these laws. If a court decides a law doesn't agree with the state's constitution, it can declare it invalid. Federal courts do not write or pass laws.

This happens through courts' interpretations of federal and state laws and the Constitution. An example is the U. Board of Education of Topeka. The court decided that state laws which segregated public school students by race violated the 14th Amendment.

It said that "separate but equal" schools cause minority children to feel inferior. And that hurts their educational opportunities. Research recent decisions of the Supreme Court.

Or get information about historic Supreme Court decisions by topic. Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it. Branches of the U. Government Commonly Requested U. Share This Page:. Do you have a question? Talk to a live USA. Article I of the Constitution enumerates the powers of Congress and the specific areas in which it may legislate.

Congress is also empowered to enact laws deemed "necessary and proper" for the execution of the powers given to any part of the government under the Constitution. Part of Congress's exercise of legislative authority is the establishment of an annual budget for the government. To this end, Congress levies taxes and tariffs to provide funding for essential government services.

If enough money cannot be raised to fund the government, then Congress may also authorize borrowing to make up the difference. Congress can also mandate spending on specific items: legislatively directed spending, commonly known as "earmarks," specifies funds for a particular project, rather than for a government agency. Both chambers of Congress have extensive investigative powers, and may compel the production of evidence or testimony toward whatever end they deem necessary. Members of Congress spend much of their time holding hearings and investigations in committee.

Refusal to cooperate with a Congressional subpoena can result in charges of contempt of Congress, which could result in a prison term. The Senate maintains several powers to itself: It ratifies treaties by a two-thirds supermajority vote and confirms the appointments of the President by a majority vote. The consent of the House of Representatives is also necessary for the ratification of trade agreements and the confirmation of the Vice President.

Oversight of the executive branch is an important Congressional check on the President's power and a balance against his discretion in implementing laws and making regulations.

A major way that Congress conducts oversight is through hearings. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs are both devoted to overseeing and reforming government operations, and each committee conducts oversight in its policy area.

Founded in as the General Accounting Office, its original mission was to audit the budgets and financial statements sent to Congress by the Secretary of the Treasury and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Today, the GAO audits and generates reports on every aspect of the government, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent with the effectiveness and efficiency that the American people deserve.

The executive branch also polices itself: Sixty-four Inspectors General, each responsible for a different agency, regularly audit and report on the agencies to which they are attached. The Legislative Branch. Powers of Congress Congress, as one of the three coequal branches of government, is ascribed significant powers by the Constitution.

Congress also holds the sole power to declare war. It shares power with the executive branch, led by the president, and the judicial branch, whose highest body is the Supreme Court of the United States. Of the three branches of government, Congress is the only one elected directly by the people. Article I—the longest article of the Constitution—describes congressional powers.

Congress has the power to:.