What is the U.S. Congress?

The U.S. Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government, established by Article I of the Constitution. It consists of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress is responsible for making laws, overseeing the executive branch, and representing the interests of the citizens. The Senate has 100 members, with two senators from each state, while the House has 435 members, with representation based on state populations. Together, they work to create legislation, approve budgets, and address national issues, playing a crucial role in the governance of the United States.

How old do you have to be to vote?

To vote in the United States, you must be at least 18 years old. This age requirement was established by the 26th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1971. The amendment aimed to ensure that young adults, who were being drafted to fight in the Vietnam War, had a voice in the democratic process. Voter eligibility also requires U.S. citizenship and residency in the state where you intend to vote. Each state may have additional requirements, such as registration deadlines and identification laws, but the minimum age remains consistent across the country.

What is impeachment in the U.S.?

Impeachment in the United States is a constitutional process through which federal officials, including the President, can be removed from office for committing "high crimes and misdemeanors." The process begins in the House of Representatives, which has the exclusive authority to impeach, or formally accuse, the official. If a majority of House members vote in favor of impeachment, the case is then sent to the Senate, which conducts a trial. A two-thirds majority in the Senate is required to convict and remove the official from office. This process serves as a critical check on executive power and accountability in the government.

What are the powers of the Senate?

The Senate possesses several unique powers that are essential to the functioning of the U.S. government. Among these powers is the authority to conduct impeachment trials for federal officials impeached by the House of Representatives. Additionally, the Senate has the responsibility to ratify treaties, requiring a two-thirds vote for approval, which ensures that international agreements reflect a broad consensus. The Senate also confirms presidential appointments, including federal judges and cabinet members, which plays a vital role in shaping the judiciary and executive branch. These powers are designed to provide a system of checks and balances within the federal government.

What is the Great Compromise?

The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a pivotal agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that established the structure of the U.S. Congress. It created a bicameral legislature, balancing the needs of both populous and smaller states. Under this compromise, the House of Representatives would have representation based on state populations, favoring larger states, while the Senate would provide equal representation, with two senators from each state, regardless of size. This compromise was crucial in ensuring that all states had a voice in the legislative process, helping to unify the nation and lay the foundation for the current congressional system.

The Bicameral Congress: Crash Course Government and Politics #2

CrashCourse・2 minutes read

The U.S. Congress, established in Article I of the Constitution, consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate, with distinct powers and eligibility requirements for its 435 House members and 100 Senate members. The Framers intended to create a bicameral legislature that balances representation and limits legislative power, ensuring checks and balances as reflected in the differing term lengths and responsibilities of each chamber.

Insights

The U.S. Congress, made up of the Senate and House of Representatives, has distinct roles and powers; the House can impeach federal officials and initiate revenue bills, while the Senate conducts impeachment trials, ratifies treaties, and confirms executive appointments, reflecting a balance of power established by the Great Compromise to represent both populous and smaller states fairly.
To ensure a system of checks and balances, the Framers of the Constitution, as highlighted by James Madison in Federalist 51, designed Congress to be divided, with the House serving shorter two-year terms for responsiveness to voters, while Senators serve six-year terms for greater deliberation and stability in governance.

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Recent questions

What is the U.S. Congress?
The U.S. Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government, established by Article I of the Constitution. It consists of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress is responsible for making laws, overseeing the executive branch, and representing the interests of the citizens. The Senate has 100 members, with two senators from each state, while the House has 435 members, with representation based on state populations. Together, they work to create legislation, approve budgets, and address national issues, playing a crucial role in the governance of the United States.
How old do you have to be to vote?
To vote in the United States, you must be at least 18 years old. This age requirement was established by the 26th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1971. The amendment aimed to ensure that young adults, who were being drafted to fight in the Vietnam War, had a voice in the democratic process. Voter eligibility also requires U.S. citizenship and residency in the state where you intend to vote. Each state may have additional requirements, such as registration deadlines and identification laws, but the minimum age remains consistent across the country.
What is impeachment in the U.S.?
Impeachment in the United States is a constitutional process through which federal officials, including the President, can be removed from office for committing "high crimes and misdemeanors." The process begins in the House of Representatives, which has the exclusive authority to impeach, or formally accuse, the official. If a majority of House members vote in favor of impeachment, the case is then sent to the Senate, which conducts a trial. A two-thirds majority in the Senate is required to convict and remove the official from office. This process serves as a critical check on executive power and accountability in the government.
What are the powers of the Senate?
The Senate possesses several unique powers that are essential to the functioning of the U.S. government. Among these powers is the authority to conduct impeachment trials for federal officials impeached by the House of Representatives. Additionally, the Senate has the responsibility to ratify treaties, requiring a two-thirds vote for approval, which ensures that international agreements reflect a broad consensus. The Senate also confirms presidential appointments, including federal judges and cabinet members, which plays a vital role in shaping the judiciary and executive branch. These powers are designed to provide a system of checks and balances within the federal government.
What is the Great Compromise?
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a pivotal agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that established the structure of the U.S. Congress. It created a bicameral legislature, balancing the needs of both populous and smaller states. Under this compromise, the House of Representatives would have representation based on state populations, favoring larger states, while the Senate would provide equal representation, with two senators from each state, regardless of size. This compromise was crucial in ensuring that all states had a voice in the legislative process, helping to unify the nation and lay the foundation for the current congressional system.

Summary

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Structure and Powers of the U.S. Congress

The U.S. Congress, consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives, is established in Article I of the Constitution, which outlines its legislative powers.
To serve in the House, members must be at least 25 years old, U.S. citizens for seven years, and residents of their state; there are currently 435 members.
The Senate comprises 100 members, with two senators from each state; candidates must be at least 30 years old, U.S. citizens for nine years, and state residents.
The House has the exclusive power to impeach federal officials, which is akin to a criminal indictment, while the Senate conducts the impeachment trials.
The House also decides presidential elections if no candidate secures a majority in the Electoral College and originates all revenue-raising bills, known as "The Power of the Purse."
The Senate's unique powers include holding impeachment trials, ratifying treaties with a two-thirds vote, and confirming over 1,000 executive appointments, including federal judges.
The Great Compromise established a bicameral legislature, balancing proportional representation for populous states with equal representation for smaller states.
The Framers aimed to limit legislative power through a divided Congress, as articulated by James Madison in Federalist 51, promoting checks and balances.
Senators serve six-year terms to be more deliberative and insulated from public opinion, while House members serve two-year terms to remain responsive to their constituents.