22 Congress: Making Laws–Adding to and Changing the Contract
The framers of the Constitution intended that Congress would be the cornerstone of the new republic. After years of tyranny under a king, they had little interest in creating another system with an overly powerful single individual at the top. While recognizing the need for centralization through a stronger national government with an elected executive wielding its own authority, they wanted a strong representative national assembly that would use careful consideration, deliberate action, and constituent representation to carefully draft legislation. Article I of the Constitution grants several key powers to Congress–overseeing the budget and financial matters, introducing legislation, confirming or rejecting judicial and executive nominations, and even declaring war.
Today, Congress is the most criticized and possibly the most misunderstood institution.
Consider the Original
from Abraham Lincoln
“The people of these United States are the rightful masters of both congresses and courts, not to over-throw the Constitution, but to over-throw the men who pervert that Constitution.”[1]
Congress: Questions to Consider
- Briefly explain the benefits and drawbacks of a bicameral system.
- What are some examples of the enumerated powers granted to Congress in the Constitution?
- Why does a strong presidency necessarily pull power from Congress?
- How exactly does Capitol Hill operate?
- What are the different structures and powers of the House of Representatives and the Senate?
- How are members of Congress elected?
- How do they reach their decisions about legislation, budgets, and military action?
- http://loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/connections/abraham-lincoln-papers/history3.html; Title"The people of these United States are the rightful masters of both congresses and courts, not to over-throw the Constitution, but to over-throw the men who pervert that Constitution" / E.B. & E.C. Kellogg, 245 Main Street, Hartford, Conn.E.B. & E.C. Kellogg , Printer. "The people of these United States are the rightful masters of both congresses and courts, not to over-throw the Constitution, but to over-throw the men who pervert that Constitution" / E.B. & E.C. Kellogg, 245 Main Street, Hartford, Conn. [New York: Geo. Whiting, 87 Fulton St, 1864] Image. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <https://www.loc.gov/item/2008680376/>. ↵