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United States Congress Essay
Pages:2 (665 words)
Sources:1+
Subject:History
Topic:United States History
Document Type:Essay
Document:#12341195
United States Congress:
The legislature of the United States was established in 1789 under the country's constitution and divided structurally from the judicial and executive arms of the government. This legislative arm in separated into two houses which are the Senate and the House of Representatives. While the Senate requires that each state is represented by two senators regardless of its size, the House of Representatives consist of members who are elected on the basis of population. The Congress was created by the pioneers of the American Constitution on the basis that a huge portion of the powers of the government needs to be on the legislative branch. Whereas the two Congressional chambers are separate and distinct, they tend to have an equal role in the enactment of legislation in most cases. Representation, lawmaking, oversight, service to constituents, conflict resolution and public education are the six basic functions of the Congress. While lawmaking is the most common and important function of the Congress, it primarily approves legislation since the concepts for most policies come from outside.
The enumerated powers of this legislative arm of the American government are specified in Section 8 of the country's constitution. However, the United States Congress has also undergone several structural reforms that are focused on changing the balance of power within the institution. First, the elections of members to the institution varies based on the election laws of the particular state they represent ("Chapter 11: The Congress" par, 6).
The other major reform that is focused on harmonizing power within the institution is the issue of congressional reapportionment which is among the most complex aspects of congressional elections. To create that balance, the seat of the House is usually allocated based on the latest population figures after census that is conducted every decade. This is because representation in the House is dependent on the population in addition to being conducted so as redraw political boundaries that is in accordance with the changes that have taken place…
Sample Source(s) Used
Works Cited:
"Chapter 11: The Congress." Faculty and Staff, Georgia Perimeter College. Georgia Perimeter College. Web. 24 May 2011.
"Congress of the United States." History.com - History Made Every Day. A&E Television Networks, LLC. Web. 24 May 2011.
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