Congress Structure and Functions
Structure of Congress
Overview of Congress
Congress is the national, legislative body of the United States, comprising two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Together, these entities are responsible for making and passing laws. The composition, functions, powers, and electoral mechanisms of both the House and the Senate are distinct but complementary, performing various roles that contribute to the legislative process.
House of Representatives
The House of Representatives has 435 members, and representation within the House is based on state population, meaning larger states have more representatives than smaller ones. The members of the House serve 2-year terms, and to be eligible for election, a person must be at least 25 years old and a U.S. citizen for at least seven years. This structure facilitates a closer relationship between the members and the electorate, with more frequent elections allowing for more direct accountability to the people.
Key Powers and Responsibilities
The House can introduce revenue (tax) bills.
The House has the authority to impeach federal officials.
Members can propose bills and play a direct role in law-making.
They serve to check the power of the President, ensuring a system of checks and balances.
Senate
The Senate consists of 100 members, with each state represented by two senators, providing equal representation regardless of population size. Senators serve 6-year terms, and the eligibility criteria include being at least 30 years old and a U.S. citizen for at least nine years. This structure is aimed at providing political stability, with staggered elections ensuring that not all senators are up for reelection at the same time.
Key Powers and Responsibilities
The Senate confirms presidential appointments.
It conducts impeachment trials, acting as the jury in cases of impeachment.
The Senate ratifies treaties negotiated by the President.
Party Structure in Congress
Congress is divided into a Majority Party and a Minority Party:
Majority Party: The political party with more members in either chamber.
Minority Party: The political party with fewer members.
Whips: Party agents responsible for ensuring party members vote cohesively.
Most legislative work occurs within Committees, which are specific groups working on various aspects of law-making.
Types of Committees
Standing Committees: Permanent committees that review bills in specific areas, such as education or defense.
Subcommittees: Smaller groups within standing committees engaging with more specialized topics.
Joint Committees: Comprising members from both the House and Senate working on common issues.
Conference Committees: Temporary committees formed to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of the same bill.
Select Committees: Established temporarily to investigate or study specific issues or problems.
Legislative Process: How Bills Become Laws
A member of Congress drafts and introduces a bill.
The bill undergoes a review by committees, which can modify or reject it.
Both chambers of Congress debate and vote on the finalized bill.
Both the House and Senate must pass the same version for it to proceed.
The bill is sent to the President, who can either sign it into law or veto it. If vetoed, a two-thirds majority vote in Congress can override the veto.
Comparison to State Legislatures
Congress vs. State Legislature
While Congress functions as the national lawmaking body operating out of Washington, D.C., state legislatures operate at a state level, typically located in state capitals. They possess similar structures but vary in terms of their size, terms, and modes of governance.
Structure
Most state legislatures are bicameral (having two chambers), with Nebraska being noted as unicameral (having one chamber).
Member Qualifications
Formal Qualifications for Congress Members
Age Requirement:
House of Representatives: At least 25 years old.
Senate: At least 30 years old.
Citizenship Requirement:
House: U.S. citizen for at least seven years.
Senate: U.S. citizen for at least nine years.
Residency Requirement: Must be a legal resident of the state they represent.
Informal Qualifications
Political Experience: Many members have prior experience in local governments or state legislatures, which can enhance their understanding of legislative processes.
Education and Skills: Strong skills in communication, leadership, and law-making are valuable, with many members holding college or law degrees.
Importance of Commitment to Public Interest
While formal qualifications establish the baseline for eligibility, what matters most for effective representation is a member's commitment to public service. This includes actively listening to constituents, understanding their needs, and making informed decisions regarding laws and policies that affect the populace. Attributes such as integrity, knowledge of public issues, and willingness to compromise are necessary qualities for successful representation.
Key Functions of the President as Chief Executive
The President of the United States occupies multiple roles beyond legislative functions, including:
Chief of State: Represents the country symbolically, as seen when hosting foreign leaders at the White House.
Chief Executive: Enforces federal laws and oversees the execution of legislation.
Chief Administrator: Manages governmental departments and agencies, demonstrated by appointing heads of departments.
Chief Diplomat: Engages in international relations, such as negotiating and signing treaties.
Commander in Chief: Serves as the leader of the armed forces, having the authority to direct military engagements.
Chief Legislator: Influences the legislative process mainly by signing or vetoing bills.
Chief of Party: Leads their political party, supporting party members in election efforts.
Chief Citizen: Represents citizens and models exemplary conduct, particularly in times of national crisis, such as addressing the nation during emergencies.