What is the main power of Congress besides declaring war?

The main power of Congress, besides declaring war, is making laws. This legislative function is central to the role of Congress as it is responsible for creating, amending, and repealing laws that govern the United States. The Constitution grants Congress the authority to legislate on a wide range of issues, influencing nearly every aspect of public policy, from economic regulation to social welfare, and ensuring that the needs of the citizenry are addressed through democratic means.

In the context of governance, making laws serves as a fundamental check on the other branches of government, allowing Congress to shape the legal framework within which the Executive and Judicial branches operate. This legislative power is broad and encompasses the ability to set budgets, regulate commerce, and implement national policies, thereby directly impacting the direction of the country.

The other choices involve important functions but do not capture the essence of Congress's primary responsibility in the legislative process. Appointing judges falls under the purview of the President with Senate confirmation, conducting foreign affairs is mainly an executive function, and enforcing laws is the responsibility of the executive branch, particularly the President and law enforcement agencies. Thus, the prominence of making laws reflects the crucial role Congress plays in the governance of the nation.