Congress 01
Congress Beneath the majestic dome of the United States Capitol, a complex and often contentious drama unfolds daily. The U.S. Congress, established by Article I of the Constitution as the nation’s foremost legislative body, is an institution designed to be both the engine of the American republic and its most representative reflection. Yet, to many citizens, it appears as a distant theater of partisan combat, plagued by gridlock. Understanding Congress requires moving beyond the headlines to examine its foundational purpose, its intricate processes, the sources of its power, and the modern challenges that define its operation. Foundations and Functions: The People’s Branch The Framers of the Constitution, wary of concentrated power, placed Congress first and endowed it with enumerated and formidable authority. Its primary function is lawmaking—transforming societal needs, policy proposals, and political ideologies into the statutes that govern the nation. This power of the purse is paramount: Congress alone…