How powerful is Congress?

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Congress and its Role

he US federal system is governed by a system of ‘separation of powers’ and therefore there are a number of checks and balances implemented in this system of government. As well as playing a key role in balancing the power of the executive congress also has a number of important functions.

For one, the most significant power Congress has is to pass legislation. Most of the creation of legislation is down to congressional committees in particular standing committees whom scrutinize legislation. Although the president actually proposes the legislation, congress filters it and considers amendment to the constitution, so in theory, the legislation comes directly from the President. In addition, Congress can reject any proposals the President proposes.

Furthermore, Congress also has a key role in the process of a bill becoming law. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate have to approve of a bill, and then they’re three readings before the bill heads to a conference committee. There both the House of Representatives and senate agree over the difference in bills both houses have passed. If a bill passes through these stages, the President can veto any of Congress’s bills if he feels that they’re impractical or unconstitutional. However, the power Congress proposes means they can turn over any of the Presidential vetos. Although Bill Clinton used the presidential veto 36 times, Congress overturned this 34 times. This is a huge power of Congress as they can basically make laws which are not approved by the President. This also acts like a constraint on the Presidents power, and thus there is often Gridlock between Congress and President.

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Another significant role of Congress, in particular that of the House of Representatives is that they initiate money bills,, which the president or the executive office cannot do. This means the House of Representatives have a lot of power regarding financial issues at home or abroad. In addition, Congress also has the power to impeach members of the federal government, the supreme court and even the President. Although many may claim the president is the most ‘powerful man in the world’, his actions remain accountable to Congress

Congress also has the power to confirm the Presidents nominees to executive offices. ...

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