The US Congress is the legislative branch composed of the Senate and House of Representatives. It has the primary power to create laws through bills that are introduced, debated, and can be signed by the President. Congress also oversees the federal budget and spending through appropriations. Additionally, Congress oversees the executive branch and can impeach officials. Foreign policy is influenced by Congress through treaties, funding, and commerce is regulated between states.
The US Congress is the legislative branch composed of the Senate and House of Representatives. It has the primary power to create laws through bills that are introduced, debated, and can be signed by the President. Congress also oversees the federal budget and spending through appropriations. Additionally, Congress oversees the executive branch and can impeach officials. Foreign policy is influenced by Congress through treaties, funding, and commerce is regulated between states.
Original Description:
Role and Functions of Congress
Original Title
5. USC - Role and Functions of Congress - Ed WQS 15-01-2024 (1)
The US Congress is the legislative branch composed of the Senate and House of Representatives. It has the primary power to create laws through bills that are introduced, debated, and can be signed by the President. Congress also oversees the federal budget and spending through appropriations. Additionally, Congress oversees the executive branch and can impeach officials. Foreign policy is influenced by Congress through treaties, funding, and commerce is regulated between states.
The US Congress is the legislative branch composed of the Senate and House of Representatives. It has the primary power to create laws through bills that are introduced, debated, and can be signed by the President. Congress also oversees the federal budget and spending through appropriations. Additionally, Congress oversees the executive branch and can impeach officials. Foreign policy is influenced by Congress through treaties, funding, and commerce is regulated between states.
US Congress by Waqas Qadeer Shaikh ROLE AND POWERS OF US CONGRESS The United States Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government of the United States. It is a bicameral body, meaning it is composed of two separate chambers: Senate & House of Representatives. Together, these two chambers work to create, amend, and pass federal laws that govern the country. The United States Congress, as the legislative branch of the federal government, plays a vital role in the American political system. Its powers and responsibilities are outlined in the US Constitution, and it has a significant impact on shaping the laws and policies that govern the nation. Here is an overview of the role and powers of the US Congress: Legislative Powers
• The primary and most
significant power of the US Congress is its authority to make laws. This legislative power is vested in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Members of Congress can propose bills on various issues, and once a bill is introduced, it goes through a series of readings, committee hearings, and debates. If the bill passes both chambers and is signed by the President, it becomes law. Budget and Appropriations Powers • Congress holds the power of the purse, granting it authority over the federal budget and appropriations. Each financial year, Congress must pass a budget to allocate funds to various government programs and agencies. The process of appropriations involves careful consideration of spending priorities and negotiations to determine how taxpayer money will be allocated. Oversight Powers
• Congress plays a crucial role in
overseeing the executive branch and federal agencies. This oversight power enables Congress to ensure that government actions are conducted in accordance with the law and the Constitution. Through committee hearings, investigations, and inquiries, Congress can hold executive officials accountable and address potential abuses of power. Impeachment and Removal Powers • Congress has the authority to impeach and remove federal officials, including the President, Vice President, and federal judges, for "high crimes and misdemeanours." The House of Representatives initiates impeachment proceedings by drafting and approving articles of impeachment. The Senate then holds a trial to determine whether the official should be removed from office, requiring a two-thirds majority vote for conviction. Foreign Relations Powers • Congress plays a significant role in shaping the nation's foreign policy. The Senate has the power to ratify treaties negotiated by the President with foreign countries.
• Additionally, Congress can
influence foreign relations through funding decisions, oversight of diplomatic activities, and the approval of arms sales to other nations. Commerce Regulation Powers • Congress has the authority to regulate commerce both within and between states, as granted by the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. This power allows Congress to pass laws that impact the national economy, regulate trade, and ensure a uniform regulatory framework for interstate commerce. War Powers
• While the President is the
Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, Congress holds the power to declare war. Congress can also authorize the use of military force in specific situations. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops in combat and limits the duration of military engagements without congressional approval. Confirming Appointments and Nominations • The Senate plays a significant role in the appointment of federal officials. It must confirm the President's nominations for federal judges, cabinet members, and other key positions. This confirmation process ensures that qualified and suitable individuals serve in important government roles. Amendments to the Constitution • Congress has the power to propose amendments to the US Constitution. To do so, two- thirds of both the House and the Senate must approve the proposed amendment. Once approved, the amendment must be ratified by three- fourths of the state legislatures to become part of the Constitution. Investigative Powers • Congress has the authority to conduct investigations on various matters of public interest and concern. Through congressional committees, Congress can gather information, hold hearings, and request documents and testimonies from individuals and agencies. These investigations are essential in forming legislative decisions and ensuring transparency in government operations.