Final answer:
Article I of the U.S. Constitution outlines a bicameral Congress with powers such as levying taxes, regulating commerce, and declaring war. These enumerated powers ensure Congress's authority over national policy and provide for the general welfare and defense.
Step-by-step explanation:
Article I of the U.S. Constitution establishes a bicameral Congress, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. This division was a compromise between the power of the states and the power of the people, reflecting the framers' intent not to concentrate too much power in a single branch of government. The powers of Congress are enumerated in Article I, which grants the legislative branch significant authority over national policy.
The House of Representatives, where the number of seats is based on state population, is designed to represent the people, while the Senate, with two members from each state, represents the states equally to balance the power structure. Article I describes the exclusive powers, such as the ability to levy taxes, regulate commerce, borrow money, raise and support armies, declare war, and establish post offices.
Both chambers must pass proposed legislation, which must then be approved or at least not vetoed by the president to become law. These powers ensure that Congress has authority over both domestic and foreign affairs and can provide for the general welfare and common defense of the citizenry.