Congress

Understanding Congress

• The United States Congress is the national legislative body of the U.S, consisting of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
• Congress has the authority to make federal laws, which apply across the whole nation.

Structure of Congress

• The Senate includes two senators from each states, adding up to 100 senators. Senators serve for six-year terms.
• The House of Representatives consists of 435 members based upon the population of each state. Representatives serve two-year terms.

Powers of Congress

• Congress has many powers, including the power to declare war, raise and support armies, provide and maintain a navy, and make rules for the military.
• Congress also has the ability to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the states, establish federal courts and judges, and to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its powers.
• It can also levy and collect taxes, borrow money on the credit of the U.S, and coin money.
• Exclusive powers of the Senate include approving treaties and confirming presidential appointments while the House has the exclusive power to initiate revenue bills and impeach federal officials.

Checks and Balances

• Congress exercises checks and balances on the other two branches of government, the Executive and the Judiciary.
• It has the power to investigate and impeach high officials, including the president, for “high crimes and misdemeanours”.
• Bills passed by Congress must be signed by the president to become law. The president can veto these laws, but Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.
• The Judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, can declare laws passed by Congress as unconstitutional, effectively nullifying them.

How Congress Works

• Congress introduces bills which start as proposals. They become federal law if passed by both the Senate and House and signed by the president.
• Congress may also establish committees to investigate matters of public interest, conduct oversight of government operations, and research complex issues.
• The daily activities of Congress are a balance between legislative duties, oversight of executive agencies, representing constituents, and political actions like campaigning for re-election.

Importance of Congress

• Through its legislative powers, Congress shapes U.S. domestic and foreign policy.
• It plays a central role in balancing the powers of the President and the Supreme Court, ensuring that no single branch becomes too powerful.
• Through its oversight roles, Congress ensures that government agencies and programs run effectively and lawfully. It also advocates for constituents, responding to their needs and concerns.