The American Congress: A Comprehensive Overview by Steven Smith

The American Congress

by Steven S. Smith

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9721 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	415 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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The American Congress is the legislative branch of the United States government. It is composed of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate has 100 members, two from each state. The House of Representatives has 435 members, apportioned among the states based on population.

Congress is responsible for making laws, declaring war, raising taxes, and approving the federal budget. It also has the power to impeach the president and other federal officials.

Congress is a complex and powerful institution. It plays a vital role in American democracy.

History of Congress

The American Congress was established by the Constitution of the United States in 1789. The first Congress convened in New York City on March 4, 1789.

The early Congress was a weak and ineffective body. It was often unable to pass legislation and was frequently at odds with the president. However, over time, Congress gradually became more powerful.

In the 19th century, Congress played a leading role in the westward expansion of the United States. It also passed a number of important laws, including the Homestead Act of 1862, which gave land to homesteaders, and the Morrill Act of 1862, which established land-grant colleges.

In the 20th century, Congress played a key role in the United States' response to the Great Depression and World War II. It also passed a number of important laws, including the Social Security Act of 1935, which established the Social Security system, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

In recent years, Congress has become increasingly partisan. This has made it difficult for Congress to pass legislation and has led to a number of government shutdowns.

Structure of Congress

Congress is composed of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The Senate

The Senate is the upper chamber of Congress. It has 100 members, two from each state. Senators are elected for six-year terms.

The Senate has a number of important powers, including the power to:

* Confirm presidential appointments * Ratify treaties * Impeach the president and other federal officials

The Senate is also responsible for trying impeachment cases.

The House of Representatives

The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of Congress. It has 435 members, apportioned among the states based on population. Representatives are elected for two-year terms.

The House of Representatives has a number of important powers, including the power to:

* Initiate revenue bills * Impeach the president and other federal officials

The House of Representatives also has the power to elect the president if no candidate receives a majority of the electoral vote.

Functions of Congress

Congress has a number of important functions, including the power to:

* Make laws * Declare war * Raise taxes * Approve the federal budget * Impeach the president and other federal officials

Congress also has the power to investigate the executive branch and to conduct hearings on important issues.

Current Challenges Facing Congress

Congress is facing a number of challenges, including:

* Partisanship: Congress has become increasingly partisan in recent years. This has made it difficult for Congress to pass legislation and has led to a number of government shutdowns. * Gridlock: Congress is often gridlocked, meaning that it is unable to pass legislation. This is due to a number of factors, including partisanship, the filibuster, and the veto power of the president. * Public trust: Congress has a low level of public trust. This is due to a number of factors, including the perception that Congress is corrupt and ineffective.

The American Congress is a complex and powerful institution. It plays a vital role in American democracy. However, Congress is facing a number of challenges, including partisanship, gridlock, and public trust.

It is important for Congress to address these challenges in order to continue to play its vital role in American democracy.

The American Congress

by Steven S. Smith

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9721 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	415 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE