Nonlegislative Powers
powers other than lawmaking
One of the most important non legislative powers given to congress is the power of checks and balances. This allows congress the power to approve or reject presidential appointments and the power to overrule a presidential veto
The House holds the power to impeach government officials. This can only happen if the majority of the House votes in favor of the impeachment. Congress can not suspend writ of habeas corpus, they can not pass bills of attainder, and they can not pass ex post facto laws.
Writ of Habeas Corpus - police have to bring a prisoner to court and explain why they are holding the person.
Bills of Attainder - laws that punish a person without a jury by trial
Ex Post Facto laws - laws that make an act a crime after the act has been committed