Is Congress effective in carrying out its constitutional powers?

Is Congress effective in legislative power?
Y:
Congress can and does pass legislation, especially in times of crisis.
Checks and balances lead to high levels of scrutiny and good legislation
Passing lots of laws is not always desirable
N:
Excessive checks and balances and the separation of powers make Congress an ineffective legislative body that fails to legislate and fails to produce good quality legislation
Increased partisanship has further reduced Congress’ ability to be an effective legislative body

Is Congress effective in carrying out its foreign policy functions?
Y:
Congress has a major influence over foreign policy through defence authorisations, e.g. passing of National Defence Authorisation Act.
Congress can and does call a halt to military action, effectively controlling the president
N:
Congress has often been passive and reactive in this area, deferring to the president
The President easily takes control of foreign policy, largely unchecked, as a result of the need for quick and secretive decisions

Does the Senate make effective use of its exclusive powers?
Y:
The Senate has used its ability to reject presidential treaties
The Senate has blocked presidential nominations to the executive and judicial branches
N:
The Senate rarely rejects treaties negotiated by a President and is easily bypassed using executive agreements