Congress

Definition

Congress is the bicameral legislative body of the United States federal government, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It is responsible for making laws, overseeing the executive branch, and representing the interests of the citizens. The interplay between Congress and the President defines the legislative-executive relations, highlighting the balance of power and the need for cooperation to achieve policy goals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Congress has the power to enact legislation, declare war, regulate commerce, and control federal spending.
2. Members of Congress are elected by the people, with Senators serving six-year terms and Representatives serving two-year terms.
3. The Constitution grants Congress the ability to override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses.
4. The Senate plays a crucial role in confirming presidential appointments and ratifying treaties, illustrating its importance in legislative-executive relations.
5. Congressional committees are essential for managing the legislative process, as they conduct hearings, gather information, and draft proposed laws.

Review Questions

• How does Congress interact with the executive branch to influence policy-making?
  • Congress interacts with the executive branch primarily through its legislative powers, oversight functions, and budgetary authority. By crafting laws that reflect public interests and conducting oversight hearings, Congress holds the executive accountable. The President must work collaboratively with Congress to ensure that his policy initiatives are supported by legislation, showcasing the need for negotiation and compromise between these two branches.
• Discuss the implications of Congress's power to override presidential vetoes on legislative-executive relations.
  • The ability of Congress to override presidential vetoes serves as a critical check on executive power within legislative-executive relations. When Congress enacts legislation that the President opposes, it can challenge his authority by mobilizing a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override his veto. This dynamic underscores the importance of bipartisan cooperation and the constant negotiation necessary for effective governance, as it illustrates how Congress can assert its will against presidential preferences.
• Evaluate how changes in Congressional power dynamics have shaped recent executive actions and overall governance.
  • Changes in Congressional power dynamics, such as increased partisanship or shifts in majority control, have significantly influenced executive actions and governance strategies. For instance, when one party dominates both houses of Congress, it can lead to more aggressive policymaking from the President aligned with that party's agenda. Conversely, a divided Congress often results in gridlock, compelling Presidents to rely more heavily on executive orders or other unilateral actions to bypass Congressional approval. This evolving relationship reveals how Congressional influence can either support or hinder presidential initiatives, ultimately impacting policy outcomes.

Related terms

Bicameralism: The practice of having two separate chambers or houses in a legislature, as seen in the U.S. Congress with its Senate and House of Representatives.

Veto Power: The authority of the President to reject legislation passed by Congress, which can only be overridden by a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

Filibuster: A procedural tactic used in the Senate to delay or block legislative action, often requiring a supermajority to overcome.