Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government in the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It is responsible for drafting and passing laws, overseeing the executive branch, and representing the interests of the people at the national level.
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Congress has the power to pass laws, levy taxes, declare war, approve treaties, and impeach and remove the president and other federal officials.
The Senate is responsible for approving presidential appointments and ratifying treaties, while the House of Representatives has the sole power to initiate revenue bills and impeach federal officials.
Congress plays a crucial role in the system of checks and balances, as it can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers.
The composition and powers of Congress are outlined in Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes it as a co-equal branch of government.
The number of representatives in the House is based on the population of each state, while the Senate has an equal number of members from each state, regardless of population.
Review Questions
Describe the key differences between the Senate and the House of Representatives within the structure of Congress.
The key differences between the Senate and the House of Representatives lie in their size, term lengths, and specific powers. The Senate is the upper chamber with 100 members, two from each state, who serve six-year terms. In contrast, the House of Representatives is the lower chamber with 435 members, whose number is proportional to the population of each state, and they serve two-year terms. The Senate has exclusive powers, such as approving treaties and confirming presidential appointments, while the House has the sole power to initiate revenue bills and impeach federal officials. This bicameral structure provides a system of checks and balances within the legislative branch.
Explain how Congress, as the legislative branch, interacts with the executive branch and the system of checks and balances.
Congress, as the legislative branch, plays a crucial role in the system of checks and balances by overseeing the executive branch and serving as a counterweight to the president's power. Congress can check the executive branch by passing laws, approving treaties, confirming presidential appointments, and impeaching and removing the president and other federal officials. Conversely, the president can veto legislation passed by Congress, and Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers. This back-and-forth between the legislative and executive branches is a fundamental aspect of the system of checks and balances, ensuring that no single branch of government becomes too powerful.
Analyze the significance of Congress's role in representing the interests of the people at the national level and its impact on the functioning of the American political system.
Congress's role in representing the interests of the people at the national level is central to the functioning of the American political system. As the legislative branch, Congress is responsible for drafting and passing laws that directly affect the lives of citizens. Through their elected representatives in the House and Senate, the people's voices are heard and their concerns are addressed at the federal level. Congress also plays a vital role in overseeing the executive branch and holding the president and other federal officials accountable. This system of checks and balances ensures that the government remains responsive to the will of the people and prevents the concentration of power in any one branch. The composition of Congress, with its two chambers and proportional representation, also helps to balance the interests of small and large states, as well as urban and rural areas, contributing to the overall stability and legitimacy of the American political system.
The lower chamber of the United States Congress, with 435 members who are elected to two-year terms and represent districts based on population.
Bicameral Legislature: A legislative system with two chambers or houses, such as the U.S. Congress, which is composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives.