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Legislative Branch: Exercise 1 - Structure and functions of Congress
Instructions:
Read the passage and click on the correct answer. If wrong, try
again. Scroll down if you do not see the Answer box. Click
here to review the key terms for this exercise.
The most important function of Congress is the legislative
function. It means that Congress has the power to make laws. Some of the legislative powers
are given to Congress by the Constitution. Legislative powers given by the Constitution are
called are called expressed or delegated power. Congress has the expressed
powers to:
pass tax laws and appropriations laws (laws that determine how money received from taxes
should be spent)
approve the president's proposed budget
pass laws that control interstate commerce (buying and selling between states)
declare war, and pass laws that control international commerce (buying and selling between
countries)
approve treaties (agreements) with other countries (Senate only)
consent to executive nominations (Senate only)
Besides the expressed powers given by the Constitution, Congress
must also pass laws that address major problems in our society, such as air pollution. However,
it is not easy for Congress to deal with such national problems. One reason why it is difficult
is because senators and House representatives are not experts on specific issues. This is
why members of Congress turn to the president and his advisors for more information. For example,
if Congress determines that a bill must be passed to control air pollution, it will turn to
the Environmental Protection Agency for information.
Instructions:
Read the passage and click on the correct answer. If wrong, try
again. Scroll down if you do not see the Answer box. 
