Article I of the Constitution sets forth the powers of Congress
in specific language. Section 8 states, "Congress shall have
Power … To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for
carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other
Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the
United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof." Laws
aren't simply conjured out of thin air, of course. Any senator
or congressman may introduce a bill, after which it is referred
to the appropriate legislative committee for hearings. The
committee, in turn, debates the measure, possibly offering
amendments, then voting on it. If approved, the bill heads back
to the chamber from which it came, where the full body will vote
on it. Assuming lawmakers approve the measure, it will be sent
to the other chamber for a vote. Once the measure clears
Congress, it is ready for the president. If both bodies have
approved legislation that differs, it must be resolved in a
joint congressional committee before