The United States Constitution
The Legislative Branch
Article I
Article I mainly talks about the Legislative Branch, its powers, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the qualifications for being in different departments. Overall, the Legislative Branch deals with making laws.
Congressmen Qualifications & Expectations
In order to be a member of the House of Representatives, you must be 25 years old, a citizen of the U.S. for seven years, and living in the state that they represent. Senators must be 30 years old and have been citizens for at least 9 years. It was intended that the senators were to keep the House of Representatives under control.
Meeting Times of Congress
It is required that at least once a year, the whole Congress should meet. In the past, that meeting took place on the first Monday of December. Since 1933, the session takes place on January 3.
Powers Granted to Congress
- Revenue - Congress may raise and spend tax money, however they must be at the same rate across the nation.
- Borrowing - They can borrow money by issuing bonds.
- Commerce - Due to the fact that word 'commerce' has been fought over, which can widely change the amount of power given to this branch, which may include affairs with foreign nations.
- Naturalization & Bankruptcy - Naturalization is how a foreigner becomes a citizen of the U.S. They can also discuss and create laws on Bankruptcy.
- Currency - They can control money.
- Counterfeiting - Punishing those who create fake money.
- Post Office - Congress can establish post offices and their routes.
- Copyright and Patents - Congress can establish and pass laws that deal with copyrighting and patents.
- Courts - Congress is able to create a federal court system.
- Piracy - Protecting American ships on the seas.
- Declare War