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Table of contents

▪ Introduction
▪ Structure of Congress
▪ The features of a Congress
▪ Function of congress:
▪ Power of Congress:
▪ Evaluation of US congress power & Functions……
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The Congress

Introduction: The term "Congress" generally refers to a formal meeting or

assembly of representatives or delegates, typically for the purpose of making
decisions or enacting laws. In the context of the United States, "Congress" refers
to the legislative branch of the federal government, which is responsible for
making laws, regulating policy, and overseeing the executive and judicial branches.

Structure of the congress

Bicameral Legislature: The U.S. Congress is made up of two chambers:

1. The Senate: Comprised of 100 members, two from each state, serving six-
year terms.

2.The House of Representatives: Comprised of 435 members, with the number of

representatives from each state based on population, serving two-year terms
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The features of a Congress

, particularly in the context of the United States, highlight its structure, functions,
and role in the political system. Here are the key features of the U.S. Congress:
1. Bicameral System
The U.S. Congress is bicameral, meaning it has two chambers:
The Senate: Composed of 100 members, two from each of the 50 states, serving
six-year terms.
The House of Representatives: Composed of 435 members, with the number of
representatives from each state based on population, serving two-year terms.

2. Legislative Authority
Congress has the power to create laws, amend existing laws, and repeal outdated or
ineffective laws. Legislation must pass both chambers before being sent to the
president for approval.

3. Impeachment Powers
Congress has the authority to impeach federal officials, including the president, if
they are found guilty of "high crimes and misdemeanors."
The House of Representatives has the power to impeach, while the Senate
conducts the trial to determine whether the official should be removed from office.
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4. Checks and Balances

One of Congress's key roles is to act as a check on the executive and judicial
branches of government. This system of checks and balances ensures no branch
becomes too powerful.
For example, Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority
vote in both chambers, and it can confirm or reject presidential appointments.
5. Power of the Purse
Congress has the "power of the purse," meaning it controls government spending.
It approves the federal budget, allocates funds to various government programs,
and sets tax policies.
It also has the authority to raise and lower taxes, which directly impacts the
nation’s economy.
6. Oversight Function
Congress has an oversight role, ensuring that the executive branch and other
government agencies are carrying out the laws as intended. This involves
conducting hearings, investigations, and audits.
7. Committees and Subcommittees
Much of Congress’s work is done in committees and subcommittees, where
proposed bills are examined in detail, amendments are proposed, and hearings are
held..
8. Party Leadership
The political parties in Congress play a significant role in shaping legislation and
policy. The Majority Leader in both chambers leads the dominant party, while the
Minority Leader leads the opposition party.
The Speaker of the House is the leader of the House of Representatives and has
significant influence over legislative priorities and procedural rules.
9. Representation
Congress represents the interests of the American people, with senators serving
statewide constituencies and House members representing specific districts. This
ensures a wide range of voices and perspectives in the legislative process.
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The number of House members per state is determined by population, while each
state gets two senators, ensuring both equal and proportionate representation.
10. Lawmaking Process
The process of making laws in Congress involves several stages: introduction of
bills, committee hearings and amendments, debate, and voting. If both chambers
pass the same version of a bill, it is sent to the president.

Function of congress:
The primary function of Congress in the United States is to make laws. It is the
legislative branch of the federal government and is composed of two chambers: the
Senate and the House of Representatives. The key functions of Congress include:
1. Legislation: Congress drafts, debates, and passes laws. Bills can be proposed
in either the House or the Senate, and must pass both chambers before being
signed by the President to become law.
2. Oversight: Congress oversees the executive branch and other federal agencies,
ensuring that laws are implemented properly. This is done through hearings,
investigations, and other forms of scrutiny.
3. Appropriations and Budget: Congress holds the "power of the purse,"
meaning it controls federal spending. It approves the budget and allocates
funding for various government programs and services.
4. Representation: Members of Congress represent the interests of their
constituents (the people who live in their electoral districts or states). They
advocate for policies and resources that benefit their regions and work on
behalf of their voters.
5. Advice and Consent: The Senate has a special role in providing advice and
consent on presidential appointments, including federal judges, cabinet
members, and ambassadors. The Senate also ratifies treaties negotiated by the
President.
6. Impeachment: Congress has the authority to impeach and remove the
President, Vice President, or other federal officials for committing "high
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crimes and misdemeanors." The House of Representatives can impeach, while

the Senate holds the trial.
These functions are designed to ensure a balance of power within the government,
providing checks on the executive branch while representing the people's interests.

Power of Congress:
These are explicitly listed in the Constitution and include:
I. and Spending: The power to levy and collect taxes, duties, and excises to pay
debts, provide for the common defense, and promote the general welfare.
II. Borrowing Money: The power to borrow money on the credit of the United
States.
III. Regulating Commerce: The power to regulate interstate and foreign trade.
IV. Coining Money: The authority to coin money, regulate its value, and fix
standards of weights and measures.
V. Declaring War: The power to declare war, raise and support armies, maintain
a navy, and make rules for the armed forces.
VI. Postal System: Establishing post offices and post roads.
VII. Immigration and Bankruptcy: Setting uniform rules of naturalization and
bankruptcy laws.
VIII. Copyrights and Patents: Promoting progress in science and arts by granting
copyrights and patents.
IX. Creating Courts: Establishing lower federal courts under the Supreme Court.
X. Necessary and Proper Clause: The authority to make laws necessary and
proper for executing other federal powers.
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These powers are not explicitly stated but are inferred from the "Necessary and Proper Clause"
(Article I, Section 8, Clause 18). For example, Congress has used this clause to establish a national
bank or regulate various industries.

3. Inherent Powers
a) These are powers that Congress has by virtue of being the legislative
branch of a sovereign nation. Examples include controlling immigration,
defending the nation, and acquiring new territories.
b) Impeachment Power: The House can impeach federal officials, and the
Senate conducts trials to remove them.
c) Advice and Consent: The Senate approves treaties and confirms
presidential appointments (e.g., judges, cabinet members).
d) Oversight Function: Congress oversees the executive branch to ensure
laws are implemented properly.

Evaluation of US congress power & Functions:

The evaluation of the power and functions of the U.S. Congress, as a legislative
body within the framework of the U.S. Constitution, involves examining its
structure, roles, limitations, and influence. Congress is a bicameral legislature,
comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate, and plays a critical role
in governance. Here's an evaluation:

1. Legislative Powers
I. Primary Role: Congress has the power to make laws. The bicameral
structure ensures that legislation is thoroughly reviewed, with the House
representing the population and the Senate representing states equally.
II. Strengths:
a. Promotes checks and balances by requiring agreement between both
chambers.
b. Diverse representation ensures varied perspectives are considered.
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III. Challenges:
a. The legislative process can be slow due to partisan gridlock.
b. Polarization often leads to difficulties in passing significant reforms.

2. Budgetary and Fiscal Authority

I. Power of the Purse: Congress controls federal spending and taxation
through appropriations bills and budget resolutions.
II. Strengths:
III. Provides a democratic check on government spending.
IV. Ensures accountability for financial decisions.
V. Challenges:
VI. Budgetary impasses, such as government shutdowns, reveal inefficiencies.
VII. Discretionary spending is often overshadowed by mandatory obligations,
limiting flexibility.

3. Oversight and Investigative Powers

1. Role: Congress monitors and investigates the executive branch, ensuring
accountability and adherence to the law.
2. Strengths:
a. Protects against executive overreach.
b. Committees and hearings expose corruption and inefficiencies.
3. Challenges:
a. Oversight can become overly partisan, undermining its credibility.
b. Prolonged investigations may detract from legislative responsibilities.
4. Advice and Consent (Senate)
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1. Role: The Senate confirms presidential appointments (judges, ambassadors)

and ratifies treaties.
2. Strengths : Provides a check on presidential power.
3. Challenges:
a. Confirmation processes are often politicized.
b. Delays in approvals can impede governance.

5. War and Foreign Policy Powers

1. Role: Congress declares war and regulates military funding, while the
president is the commander-in-chief.
2. Strengths:
3. Prevents unilateral military action without legislative approval.
4. Ensures public accountability for military interventions.
5. Challenges:
6. Ambiguities in the War Powers Resolution (1973) often lead to disputes over
authority.
7. Presidents increasingly rely on executive actions for military operations.

6. Representation
1. House: Represents the population proportionally, ensuring populous states
have adequate voice.
2. Senate: Ensures equal representation for all states, protecting smaller states.
3. Strengths: Balances federalism by combining proportional and equal
representation. Reflects diverse demographic and regional interests.

4. Checks and Balances: Congress operates under the constraints of judicial

review and executive vetoes.
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5. Public Perception: Low approval ratings often indicate dissatisfaction with

legislative gridlock and perceived inefficiency.
6. Partisan Polarization: Increasing division hinders bipartisan cooperation,
affecting productivity and public trust.

Conclusion
Congress is a cornerstone of the U.S. democratic system, wielding significant
power in legislation, oversight, and governance. However, its effectiveness is often
impeded by partisanship, procedural inefficiencies, and power struggles with the
executive branch. To strengthen Congress’s role, reforms targeting transparency,
bipartisanship, and electoral fairness are essential.

References:
Jennigs W.I –The USA Constitution.
Munro, W.B –the Government of the United States.
Furguson , et ,al. – The American system of Government .