The Legislative Branch in the USA
The Legislative Branch of the United States government is an important and integral part of the checks and balances system in the American political system. It is charged with creating and passing laws in the country, while also checking the executive branch and judicial branch’s activities. As one of the three branches of government in the United States, the Legislative branch has a wide array of responsibilities related to the representation of the American people and creating American law.
What is the Role of the Legislative Branch?
The foremost responsibility of the Legislative branch is to represent the voting public of the United States of America. This is done through two main bodies: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Each has different qualifications and numbers (the House has 435 voting members and the Senate has 100) but is charged with the same responsibility: to look out for the public interest and ensure laws within the country reflect the changing times and needs of the public.
Other than representing the public, the Legislative branch is also responsible for creating federal policy and law for the United States. It does this by introducing bills or resolutions, debating them, and then voting on them. Once these bills have been passed by both the House of Representatives and Senate through the “enrollment process” they are forwarded to the president who can either sign this bill into law or reject it.
The Legislative branch also holds a variety of oversight powers over the other branches of government. This means that it is able to investigate executive branch operations, hold hearings to receive reports on current programs, and ultimately approve or deny the budgets for these departments.
Finally, the Legislative branch also holds a role in the writing and passing of amendments for the US Constitution or even in proposing new constitutional amendments.
Roles and Responsibilities of Congress
Congress is the bicameral legislature of the United States and consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Its main functions are to draft, debate, and pass legislation that is sent to the President for approval. Congress is also responsible for introducing constitutional amendments, setting taxes, borrowing money, and controlling the budget and spending of the United States.
Below is a list of the specific roles and responsibilities of Congress:
• Create laws that govern the nation: Congress is responsible for making national laws (federal laws) by introducing bills which must be debated and approved by both chambers. These laws are then sent to the President to be either vetoed or approved.
• Oversee the Executive Branch of Government: Congress has the power to oversee the activities of the President and the executive branch. It does this by holding hearings, launching investigations, reading the President’s reports, and approving or denying the budget for different executive departments.
• Approve Presidential Nominations: All important nominations made by the President must also be approved by Congress. This includes nominations for Supreme Court Justices, ambassadors, and positions in the executive branch.
• Amend the US Constitution: All amendments and new changes to the US Constitution must be approved by both chambers of Congress, before then being sent to the states for ratification.
• Borrow Money on the Credit of the United States: If the government needs more money than what it has available it will borrow it from foreign countries or domestic institutions. Congress has the power to approve or veto these decisions.
• Declare War: Any time the President wants to take the nation to war it must be approved by both chambers of Congress.
• Establish Rules and Punishments for Members: Congress makes it own laws and rules and can decide on punishments for any member that violates these rules and laws.
• Approve Tax Contracts: Congress is responsible for approving all tax contracts between the US and foreign governments or any mutual defense and trade treaties.
The Legislative branch of the US government is a highly important part of the American political system. It is charged with representing the public and creating laws and federal policy that are in line with their changing needs. Additionally, Congress plays an important role in overseeing the activities of the Executive branch and other government functions such as establishing rules and punishing members, declaring war, approving presidential nominations and taxes, and borrowing money on the US’s credit. It is essential for the Legislative branch to fulfill its roles and responsibilities, as without its approval, laws, and influence the US’s government would certainly operate differently.