key term - Congress

Definition

Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government in the United States, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It is responsible for making laws, overseeing the executive branch, and representing the interests of the people.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Congress has the power to levy taxes, borrow money, regulate commerce, declare war, and impeach the President and other federal officials.
2. The Senate has the exclusive power to approve treaties and confirm presidential appointments, while the House has the sole power of impeachment.
3. Congress is responsible for passing legislation that affects public policy, including issues related to the economy, healthcare, education, and national security.
4. The Constitution grants Congress the power to oversee the executive branch, including the ability to hold hearings, investigate government activities, and pass laws to limit the President's authority.
5. Public opinion and public policy are closely linked, as Congress often responds to the concerns and preferences of the electorate when making decisions.

Review Questions

• Explain how the development of the Constitution led to the creation of Congress and its role in the government.
  • The U.S. Constitution established Congress as the legislative branch of the federal government, with the Senate and House of Representatives as its two chambers. This bicameral legislature was a compromise between the Virginia Plan, which proposed a legislature based on population, and the New Jersey Plan, which proposed equal representation for each state. Congress was given the power to make laws, levy taxes, borrow money, regulate commerce, declare war, and oversee the executive branch, ensuring a system of checks and balances within the government.
• Describe how public opinion can influence the decisions and policies made by Congress.
  • Congress is often responsive to the concerns and preferences of the electorate, as members of Congress are elected to represent the interests of their constituents. Public opinion polls, advocacy groups, and voter turnout can all shape the policy agenda and decision-making process in Congress. For example, if the public expresses strong support for a particular issue, such as healthcare reform or environmental protection, Congress may be more likely to prioritize and act on legislation related to that issue. Conversely, if the public is dissatisfied with the performance of Congress, it can influence the outcome of elections and the composition of the legislative branch.
• Analyze the role of Congress in the policymaking process and how it relates to the development of public policy.
  • As the legislative branch of the federal government, Congress plays a central role in the policymaking process. Congress is responsible for drafting, debating, and passing laws that shape public policy across a wide range of issues, from the economy and healthcare to national security and the environment. Through its power to levy taxes, allocate funding, and oversee the executive branch, Congress can significantly influence the development and implementation of public policies. The committee system, hearings, and the legislative process allow Congress to gather input from experts, stakeholders, and the public, which can inform the policies they ultimately enact. The ability of Congress to respond to public opinion and the needs of the electorate also contributes to the formulation of public policy.

Related terms

Senate:

The upper chamber of Congress, composed of 100 members, two from each state, who serve six-year terms.

House of Representatives:

The lower chamber of Congress, with 435 members, each representing a congressional district for a two-year term.

Bicameral Legislature:

A legislature divided into two chambers or houses, such as the U.S. Congress, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.