The Senate has the sole power to confirm those of the President's appointments that require consent, and to provide advice and consent to ratify treaties. There are, however, two exceptions to this rule: the House must also approve appointments to the Vice Presidency and any treaty that involves foreign trade.
What are the special powers of the House and the Senate?
- to levy and collect taxes;
- to borrow money for the public treasury;
- to make rules and regulations governing commerce among the states and with foreign countries;
- to make uniform rules for the naturalization of foreign citizens;
What are the four powers of the Senate?
The Senate takes
action on bills, resolutions, amendments, motions, nominations, and treaties by voting
. Senators vote in a variety of ways, including roll call votes, voice votes, and unanimous consent.
What are 2 powers that are reserved for the Senate?
- Confirming or rejecting treaties;
- Confirming or rejecting presidential appointments to office, including the Cabinet, other officials of the executive branch, federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, and ambassadors;
What is the main purpose of the Senate?
The framers of the Constitution created the United States Senate to protect the rights of individual states and safeguard minority opinion in a system of government designed to give greater power to the national government.
Who has power of the Senate?
The Senate shares full legislative power with the House of Representatives. In addition, the Senate has exclusive authority to approve–or reject–presidential nominations to executive and judicial offices, and to provide–or withhold–its “advice and consent” to treaties negotiated by the executive.
Why is legislative branch most powerful?
The most important power of Congress is its legislative authority;
with its ability to pass laws in areas of national policy
. … Most of the laws which are passed down by Congress apply to the public, and on some cases private laws. The second key role of Congress falls into the way they manage their budget.
What powers does Congress not have?
Today, there are four remaining relevant powers denied to Congress in the U.S. Constitution:
the Writ of Habeas Corpus, Bills of Attainder and Ex Post Facto Laws, Export Taxes and the Port Preference Clause
.
What Nonlegislative powers does the Senate have?
The Constitution also grants the Senate the unique non-legislative
power to confirm or deny all major appointments made by the president
. The Constitution requires that the president seek the “advice and consent” of the Senate when appointing federal judges, cabinet officers, and major officials of executive agencies.
Does the Senate or the House declare war?
The Constitution grants Congress the sole power to declare war. Congress has declared war on 11 occasions, including its first declaration of war with Great Britain in 1812. Congress approved its last formal declaration of war during World War II.
Can the House pass a bill without the Senate?
Ultimately, a law can only be passed if both the Senate and the House of Representatives introduce, debate, and vote on similar pieces of legislation. … After the conference committee resolves any differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill, each chamber must vote again to approve the final bill text.
Can the Senate declare war?
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. … Congress also holds the sole power to declare war.
What does the Senate represent?
Senators represent their entire states, but members of the House represent individual districts. The number of districts in each state is determined by a state's population. Each state has a minimum of one representative in Congress.
How does the Senate work?
The Senate is composed of senators, each of whom represents a single state in its entirety. Each state is equally represented by two senators who serve staggered terms of six years. There are currently 100 senators representing the 50 states. … The Senate conducts trials of those impeached by the House.
What can a senator help you with?
One of the most important things I can do for you as your United States Senator is
to serve as a liaison between you and the federal government
. My staff and I can answer questions, find resources, and help resolve issues that you may be having with federal agencies.
