6 Functions of Congress

Lawmaking Function

Congress’ prime function, involves deciding rules that govern our society. Congress may establish broad national policies, including budgetary priorities in this function

Representation Function

Members of Congress also _____ their constituents. Generally, elected officials can assume 3 roles when representing their constituents: trustee, delegate, or politico

Trustee view

The elected official attempts to consider the whole of society instead of simply being an agent to the constituents.

Delegate view

The elected official is a mere agent for the constituents, doing precisely what most constituents want on issues.

Politico

Most legislators hold neither a pure trustee view nor a pure instructed delegate view but a combination of both perspectives.

Oversight Function

Congress is responsible for reviewing the executive branch’s actions, especially the implementation of policy or legislation. Inquiries are made to determine whether implementation reflects legislative intent, the effectiveness of the federal bureaucracy, and whether the bureaucracy is fulfilling the needs of the public.

Service to Constituents

Members of Congress are expected to assist their constituents in dealings with the government. Casework, includes helping constituents procure governmental services that were denied to them. The member of Congress is seen as an ombudsperson or an investigator of constituent problems who uses their staff to “cut through the red tape” of the federal bureaucracy. Casework benefits both constituents and the representative, who typically gains the grateful constituents support during reelection.

Public-Education Function

Educating the public is a function that is exercised whenever congress holds public hearings, exercises oversight over the bureaucracy, or engages in committee and floor debate on such major issues and topics as political assassinations, aging, illegal drugs, or the concerns of small businesses. Congress also decides what issues will come up for discussion and decision, which is called agenda-setting. Congress discusses many problems that the public may not know about to make the public aware of issues that need attention.

Conflict-Resolution Function

Congress is commonly seen as an institution for resolving conflicts within American society. Organized interest groups and representatives of different racial, religious, economic, and ideological interests look to Congress as an access point for airing their grievances and seeking help and assistance.