Congress: The Legislative Branch of the United States Government
Meaning of Congress
The term "congress" refers to the act or process of coming together and meeting. In the context of government and politics, a congress typically refers to a legislative body or assembly.
United States Congress
The most well-known and influential congress in the world is the United States Congress. Established under the Constitution of 1789, it is the legislature of the federal government of the United States.
Structure and Function
The United States Congress is a bicameral legislature, meaning it consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives is the lower chamber and has 435 members, who are elected from single-member districts for two-year terms. The Senate is the upper chamber and has 100 members, who are elected from individual states for six-year terms.
The primary function of Congress is to make laws for the nation. However, it also has other important powers, including:
- Approving the budget
- Declaring war
- Confirming presidential appointments
- Impeaching the president
Comments