U.S. Congress

Definition

The U.S. Congress is the bicameral legislative body of the federal government, composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate, responsible for making laws, overseeing the executive branch, and representing the American public. It plays a crucial role in shaping policy through legislation and serves as a check on the other branches of government, influencing the balance of power within the political system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The U.S. Congress is composed of 535 voting members: 435 in the House of Representatives and 100 in the Senate.
2. Members of the House serve two-year terms, while Senators serve six-year terms, with approximately one-third of the Senate up for reelection every two years.
3. Congress has the exclusive power to declare war, regulate interstate commerce, and levy taxes, making it a key player in federal policy-making.
4. The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer and is elected by House members, while the Vice President serves as the President of the Senate.
5. Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers, showcasing its power to check executive authority.

Review Questions

• How does the bicameral structure of Congress influence its legislative process?
  • The bicameral structure of Congress, comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate, allows for a more thorough review and debate of proposed legislation. Each chamber has different rules and procedures that affect how bills are debated and passed. For instance, revenue bills must originate in the House, while the Senate provides advice and consent on treaties and presidential appointments. This structure encourages collaboration but can also lead to gridlock when there are disagreements between the two chambers.
• Analyze how Congress's powers contribute to its role in shaping national policy.
  • Congress's powers significantly contribute to its ability to shape national policy through its authority to create laws, control funding, and regulate various aspects of society. For instance, Congress can pass legislation addressing issues like healthcare, education, and infrastructure that impact millions of Americans. By holding hearings and conducting investigations, Congress also holds the executive branch accountable for its actions. This multifaceted role enables Congress to respond to changing national priorities and public needs.
• Evaluate how congressional behavior reflects broader political trends in American society.
  • Congressional behavior often mirrors broader political trends such as partisanship, public opinion shifts, and social movements. For example, during periods of high partisan polarization, voting patterns in Congress may reflect a lack of compromise and increased ideological division among members. Additionally, significant societal events or movements can drive congressional action or inaction on specific issues. Analyzing these behaviors can provide insights into how Congress functions as both a representative body and a battleground for competing political ideologies.

Related terms

Bicameralism:

The practice of having two separate chambers within a legislative body, such as the House of Representatives and the Senate in the U.S. Congress.

Legislation:

The process of proposing, drafting, and enacting laws by Congress, which involves various stages including committee review, debate, and voting.

Checks and Balances:

A system that ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch with specific powers to limit the others, maintaining a balance within the federal government.