How powerful is the U.S. Congress?

The U.S. Constitution, as originally written, presents a critical structure: the Separation of Powers. This means the division of authority among three distinct branches of government. The interaction of these branches, along with the checks and balances established by the Constitution, raises complex issues. Let’s look at the legislative branch and see how it differs from the other branches.

“”Thoughts on the Law. A view of the U.S. Congress” ©

Structure of the United States Congress

The United States Congress (“Congress”) is the legislative branch of the federal government, composed of two distinct bodies: the House of Representatives and the Senate. This bicameral (two-chambered) structure is designed to balance the needs of both the individual states and the population at large. Here is a brief overview of each chamber’s structure and function.

The House of Representatives

1. Representation Based on Population. The House consists of members who are elected every two years. The number of representatives from each state is determined by its population, with larger states having more representatives than smaller ones.