Ch 8, Sec 2: How the Federal Government WorksMain Idea: The United States government is divided into three branches with separate roles and responsibilities.

The Legislative BranchSet up by the first and longest article of the Constitution.

The Legislative BranchPowers of Congress: Congress has the lawmaking power, or

the power to make bills Bills can start in both houses Once they are passed by both houses, they

go to the president, who signs them. Appropriation bills must start in the House Congress also has the power to:

Collect taxes, borrow money, coin money, make post offices, fix weights and measures, and declare war

The Legislative BranchThe Elastic Clause: Article I, section 8 states that

Congress can “Make all laws that are proper and

necessary” This is call the elastic clause because

It stretches the power of Congress

The Legislative BranchCommittees: Today more than 10,000 bills are

introduced in Congress a year. The purpose of Committees is to:

Debate and discuss bills