The Question:
How does our Congress work?
The Quote:
“All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.“
The Bicameral System
Article I of the Constitution created the Legislative Branch. This branch was tasked with the responsibility to enact (create) laws. Our Congress is a bicameral system meaning that it is split into two chambers. Each one has distinct responsibilities but must work together to turn a bill into a law.
The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of Congress. Representatives are directly elected and the number each state has is based on its population. Some of its unique responsibilities include starting bills of appropriations (dealing with money and taxes) and beginning articles of impeachment (a legal process to remove someone from public office). There are currently 435 voting representatives in the House.
The Senate is the upper chamber of Congress. Senators are directly elected and the number each state has is equal. Some of its unique responsibilities includes approving treaties in times of war and having the ability to approve or reject Presidential appointments. There are currently 100 voting members of the Senate.
Bills and resolutions (unpassed laws) approved by the chamber they started in are sent to the other chamber for negotiations and approval. If the other chamber does not agree, the bill dies. However, if the chamber agrees, then the bill is passed where it is sent to the President to sign. If he or she does sign it, it becomes a law.
This is how our Congress works. As always, I’m Joseph Pool, your Poolitician and thank you for plunging into politics!
