Congress

Definition

Congress is the legislative branch of the United States federal government, consisting of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. It plays a crucial role in the law-making process, representing the interests of the American people and holding significant power over federal governance, including the ability to create laws, control budgets, and declare war.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Congress was established by the Constitution in 1789 and has since been a fundamental part of American democracy.
2. Each state has two senators regardless of population size, while representatives in the House are allocated based on state populations, creating a balance between equal state representation and population representation.
3. Congress meets in Washington D.C. in the Capitol building, where both chambers conduct their sessions and debates.
4. Members of Congress can introduce bills, hold hearings, conduct investigations, and represent constituents' interests through various committees.
5. Congress has the authority to override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers, demonstrating its power in the federal government.

Review Questions

• What are the main functions of Congress within the United States government?
  • Congress serves multiple functions within the U.S. government, primarily focused on law-making. It creates legislation that affects various aspects of society, allocates funding for government operations through budget approval, and provides oversight over executive actions. Additionally, Congress plays a role in representing the interests of constituents through its members' engagement with local communities and stakeholders.
• How does the structure of Congress facilitate both equal representation and representation based on population?
  • The structure of Congress is designed to balance equal representation and population-based representation through its bicameral system. The Senate ensures that each state has an equal voice with two senators per state, regardless of size or population. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives allocates seats based on population, allowing larger states to have more representatives. This dual approach helps address the diverse needs of the American populace while maintaining a fair legislative process.
• Evaluate how Congress's power to create legislation impacts its relationship with other branches of government.
  • Congress's power to create legislation significantly shapes its relationship with the executive and judicial branches. By passing laws that govern federal operations and societal norms, Congress sets the legal framework within which the executive branch operates. This can lead to tension when legislative priorities conflict with presidential agendas. Furthermore, legislative actions may be challenged in court, allowing the judicial branch to interpret laws and potentially influence their implementation. This dynamic interaction showcases the system of checks and balances designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Related terms

Senate: The upper chamber of Congress, consisting of 100 members, two from each state, who serve six-year terms and are responsible for approving treaties and confirming presidential appointments.

House of Representatives: The lower chamber of Congress, consisting of 435 members whose representation is based on state population, serving two-year terms and primarily responsible for initiating revenue-related legislation.

Legislation: The process of creating laws through proposals, debates, and voting within Congress, which can result in bills becoming law after approval by both chambers and the president.