Act passed by Congress

Definition

An act passed by Congress is a piece of legislation that has been proposed, debated, and approved by both chambers of the United States Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate, and then signed into law by the President. These acts are crucial for establishing federal policies and addressing various issues within society, reflecting the evolving priorities and challenges faced by the nation during different periods.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Acts passed by Congress can cover a wide range of topics, including civil rights, economic policy, health care, and foreign relations.
2. The process for passing an act typically involves multiple stages: introduction, committee review, debate on the floor, voting, and presidential approval.
3. Some significant acts include the Homestead Act (1862), which encouraged Western migration by providing land to settlers, and the Civil Rights Act (1964), which aimed to end discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
4. The Constitution grants Congress the authority to make laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers, which has been interpreted broadly to allow for diverse legislation.
5. Acts passed by Congress can be challenged in court if they are believed to violate the Constitution or infringe upon individual rights.

Review Questions

• How does the process of passing an act by Congress illustrate the system of checks and balances within the U.S. government?
  • The process of passing an act by Congress showcases the checks and balances system as it requires collaboration between multiple branches of government. First, both houses of Congress must agree on the legislation, which is a form of legislative oversight. Then, after approval, the President has the power to veto or approve the bill. This interaction ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful in creating laws.
• In what ways did acts passed by Congress during the early republic reflect the shifting priorities of American society at that time?
  • Acts passed by Congress during the early republic often addressed significant issues such as land distribution, economic development, and federal authority. For instance, the Northwest Ordinance established governance for new territories and set precedents for statehood. These acts reflected society's priorities towards expansion and integration while also showcasing debates over states' rights versus federal power.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of key acts passed by Congress on American political development and social change throughout history.
  • Key acts passed by Congress have profoundly influenced American political development and social change over time. For example, landmark legislation like the Voting Rights Act of 1965 not only advanced civil rights but also reshaped political participation across racial lines. Similarly, New Deal programs enacted through acts in response to the Great Depression transformed the role of federal government in economic regulation. These laws laid foundational principles for subsequent policies and have continued to affect American governance and societal norms into modern times.

Related terms

Legislation:

The process of making or enacting laws, which involves drafting, debating, and voting on proposed bills in Congress.

Veto: The constitutional power of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law unless Congress overrides the veto.

Public Policy: The principles and regulations established by governmental entities that guide decision-making and actions in response to public issues.