The Constitution defines the powers of Congress and places limits on them. Discuss the ways in which the Constitution limits Congress and the ways it gives it discretionary power.

The U.S. Constitution defines several powers exclusive to the U.S. Congress, among them:

The power to formally declare war, vested on the Senate.The power to raise revenue (collect taxes). Bills that raise revenue have to originate in the House.The power to impeach the President. One of its most famous discretionary powers. The House accuses, and the Senate decides the trial.The power to confirm Justices of the Supreme Court - also a discretionary power given specifically to the Senate: the president presents a candidate, and the Senate either confirms or rejects the candidate.