History 122 - Congressional Authority

HIST 122

Topic Paper-Week 7

Congressional Authority

Congressional Authority is defined in the Constitution of the United States in Article 1, Section 8. It defines the congressional powers that Congress has in the many aspects of our government and land. Many of these powers allow our government to touch many different aspects of our society.

One of the first types of congressional authority that Congress has is all legislative powers. This includes the power to tax and to appropriate funding for different causes. This power is divided between the Senate and the House of Representatives. However, each section has unique powers. The Senate can ratify treaties and approve top presidential appointments. This includes cabinet staff and key aids to the president. The House of Representatives has the ability to put into motion any type of revenue raising bill. The House of Representatives also has the power to review impeachment cases and impeach if they deem appropriate. So, the next time that you participate in electing an official, one must consider the amount of power each of our elected officials have in the role of our government.

Congressional authority also reaches into other areas as well. As an enumerated power given to Congress by the Constitution, they have the right to establish uniform laws with regard to naturalization of its citizens. The current tests and procedures to become a naturalized citizen are set forth by congressional authority. In addition to establishing uniform rules to become a naturalized citizen, it is congressional authority that also sets uniform laws for our society. Congressional authority establishes a system of police and control/order. Without these systems in place, there would be no system of rationale or limitations on what is right versus wrong.

Congress also has the right to create and maintain the Armies, Naval and Air Force departments to support the United States. Congressional authority allows Congress the right to deploy these services in support of any type of conflict that the United States may be involved in.

Congressional authority also allows Congress to coin money and to regulate its value. This also applies to the value of foreign currency in contrast to American money. This authority allows Congress to set or regulate the flow or value of money. Regulating interest rates are common for Congress to do. Congressional authority also allows Congress to invoke punishment for counterfeiting US currency and securities. Congress also has the right to borrow money on behalf of the United States. Currently, the United States has a large budget deficit with much of its borrowing being done with the country of China. Congressional authority allows Congress to initiate this process to receive funding in support of the United