Respond to DON’S POST BELOW ON CONGRESS: Please remember to also incorporate (and cite) the assigned readings from the textbook into your original postings.

https://openstax.org/details/books/american-government-3e

https://openstax.org/details/books/american-government-2e

The institutional features and powers of the Congress of the United States are expressed in Article I of the Constitution of the United States. It establishes that the nation be governed by a bicameral legislature which includes the Senate and the House of Representatives. The United States is not the first country to use this method of governing. In medieval times, the United Kingdom had two chambers which were the House of Lords and the House of Commons. In contrast to the United Kingdom’s legislative system, the United States bases its representation on population rather than social classes. The representational disparities between the two houses are evident: the House of Representatives adheres to a population-based model, aligning with the principles of the Virginia Plan, whereas the Senate embraces equal representation for each state, reflecting the ideals of the New Jersey Plan.

 

The powers held by Congress can be divided into three separate groups: enumerated (stated by the Constitution), implied (not specifically stated in the Constitution but inferred), and inherent (not enumerated or implied but assumed to exist to direct the country). Some of the enumerated powers that Congress possesses are the power to levy and collect taxes, declare war, raise an army and navy, coin money, borrow money, regulate commerce among the states and with foreign nations, establish federal courts and bankruptcy rules, establish rules for immigration and naturalization, and issue patents and copyrights (openstax). The implied powers that Congress have are based on the “necessary and proper clause” which regulate banks, minimum wage, and highway construction. Inferred powers are border control, expand the territory of the state, to defend itself from internal revolution or coups. These powers are not expressed in Constitution because they are necessary for any country to function.

 

While bicameralism is designed to encourage thorough debate and prevent hasty decision-making, the challenge lies in striking a balance that does not impede progress. The recent polarization and difficulty in reaching consensus on vital issues indicate areas where the system may fall short of achieving its intended goals.

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