Article One of the United States Constitution describes the powers of the legislative branch of the federal government – the Congress.  The Article provides that Congress consists of a House of Representatives and the Senate, establishes the manner of election and qualifications of members of each House, and outlines legislative procedure and enumerates the powers vested in the legislative branch.  Finally, it establishes limits on the powers of both Congress and the states.

According to Article 1 of the Constitution, all legislative powers are vested in Congress.  Though the House and Senate are equal partners in the legislative process (legislation cannot be enacted without the consent of both chambers); the Constitution grants each chamber some unique powers.  The Senate is uniquely empowered to ratify treaties and to approve top presidential appointments.  Revenue-raising bills must originate in the House of Representatives, which also has the sole power of impeachment, while the Senate has the sole power to try impeachment cases.