Legislative Powers

U.S. Capitol BuildingThe framers of the Constitution believed the legislative branch would naturally be the most powerful, since it was responsible for making the laws of the land.

Concerned about any one branch of government gaining too much power, they created a system of checks and balances so that each branch could regulate the other two. The framers also gave considerable thought to what powers each branch should have and what powers should be restricted.

Essential Questions

  • What are the powers of Congress?
  • How does the legislative branch check the executive branch?
  • How does the legislative branch check the judicial branch?