Congress
Definition
The legislative branch of the United States federal government, composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate, which makes laws.
Analogy
Think of Congress as a team working on a school project. They have to work together to create something (in this case, laws), but they're split into two groups (the House and Senate) with different responsibilities and powers.
Related terms
Bicameral Legislature: A legislature that is divided into two separate assemblies, chambers or houses.
Senate: The upper house of the United States Congress, consisting of two senators from each state regardless of population size.
Bill: A proposed law presented to a legislative body for consideration.
"Congress" appears in:
Practice Questions (20+)
Which power does Congress hold according to The United States Constitution?
What is the main role of Congress in United States government?
What was one consequence of each state having only one vote in Congress under the Articles of Confederation?
How could America's political trajectory have changed if Congress had effectively raised revenue under the Articles?
What is the primary reason that the bicameral structure of Congress, established by the U.S. Constitution, has persisted?
What role does Congress play in the U.S. federal system?
Which clause in the U.S constitution is often interpreted as giving Congress broad elastic-like powers?
What potential effects could there be if Congress permitted states greater autonomy regarding healthcare policies?
How might American politics look different had James Madison not influenced Congress to adopt a system of dual federalism?
What significant legislation did Congress pass in 1862 to provide public lands to states for the establishment of colleges?
Which branch of the U.S. federal government does Congress belong to?
What is the term for when members of congress negotiate, give and take, agree upon bills informally before they reach the floor?
How did the Great Depression influence the development of welfare policies in Congress?
How might climate change influence future legislative priorities for Congress?
Which part of congress has power to ratify treaties?
How does a bill become a law in Congress?
What is the most likely effect if Congress passes a bill reducing corporate tax rates?
What could result from Congress failing to pass a federal budget?
What is one probable outcome if Congress increases federal education funding?
Which power does Congress hold that allows them to check on other branches of government?
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