PA 201

Question : Describe The Structure of U.S. Congress.
Critically discuss the

power & functions of The House of Representatives.
~Every country has a legislative body, and the United States is no
exception. The U.S. Congress, established by the Constitution in 1789
serves as the federal legislative branch and is essential to the American
system of checks and balances. Rooted in historical principles of
representative democracy, Congress was created to balance power
between large and small states through a bicameral structure.
Structure of Congress
1. Senate:
- Membership: Comprising 100 Senators, each state elects two, ensuring
equal representation regardless of population size.
- Term Length: Senators serve six-year terms, with staggered elections
so that approximately one-third of the Senate is elected every two years.
- Leadership: The Vice President of the United States serves as the

President of the Senate but votes only to break ties. Day-to-day
operations are managed by the Senate Majority Leader and the President
Pro Tempore, typically the longest-serving member of the majority party.
2. House of Representatives:
- Membership: Comprising 435 Representatives, the number of
Representatives per state is based on population, ensuring proportional
representation.
- Term Length:Representatives serve two-year terms, with all seats up
for election every two years.
- Leadership: The Speaker of the House, elected by the Representatives,
is the presiding officer. The House also has Majority and Minority Leaders
and Whips who manage legislative priorities and party strategy.
The U.S. Congress, meeting at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., embodies
the Constitution's vision of a balanced and representative federal
government. Its bicameral structure, with the Senate ensuring state
equality and the House representing population, was crafted to address
the diverse needs of a growing nation. Through lawmaking, oversight, and
representation, Congress remains a cornerstone of American democracy,
reflecting the foundational principles established over two centuries ago.
The U.S. House of Representatives, one of the two chambers of Congress, plays a vital
role in the legislative process, representing the American people based on population.
Established by the Constitution in 1789, the House is designed to reflect the will of the
populace, with its 435 members serving two-year terms. This structure ensures
responsiveness to constituents' needs and frequent electoral accountability.
Powers and Functions
1. Legislation:
- Initiating Bills: The House can introduce and pass federal legislation. Revenue-
raising bills, such as tax laws, must originate in the House. For instance, the Tax Cuts
and Jobs Act of 2017 started in the House.
- Debate and Amendments: Bills undergo scrutiny, debate, and amendment in House
committees before reaching the floor for a vote.
2. Oversight and Investigations:
- Executive Oversight: The House monitors and investigates executive branch actions
to ensure compliance with laws and prevent abuses of power. An example is the
impeachment inquiries into Presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump.
3. Impeachment:
- Initiating Impeachment: The House has the sole authority to impeach federal
officials, including the President, for "high crimes and misdemeanors." The
impeachment process begins with an investigation and, if warranted, articles of
impeachment are drafted and voted on.
4. Budget and Appropriations:

- Budget Control: The House plays a significant role in shaping federal spending by
passing appropriation bills and authorizing government expenditures.
The U.S. House of Representatives, through its legislative, oversight, and

impeachment powers, serves as a crucial check on the executive branch and a direct
voice for the American people. However, critics argue that frequent elections can lead
to short-term policymaking driven by electoral cycles rather than long-term national
interest. Despite this, the House remains a fundamental component of American
democracy, embodying the principles of representation and accountability.
Question: Describe the structure of U.K. Parliament. Examine the power & functions of
House of Commons.
-The United Kingdom (U.K.) Parliament is a pivotal institution in British politics,

representing the core of the country's democratic governance. United Kingdom (U.K.)
Parliament, an institution with deep historical roots, is the cornerstone of British
democracy. Established in the early 13th century with the signing of the Magna Carta
in 1215, which limited the power of the monarchy and laid the groundwork for
parliamentary governance, Parliament has evolved significantly over the centuries.
The modern U.K. Parliament is a bicameral legislature, meaning it has two separate
houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. This structure allows for a
thorough review and discussion of proposed laws and policies, ensuring diverse
perspectives are considered.
House of Commons
-Membership: The House of Commons is composed of 650 Members of Parliament

(MPs). Each MP represents a specific geographical area known as a constituency.
Members are elected by the public during general elections.
-Term Length: MPs serve for a maximum term of five years, after which general
elections are held. However, an election can be called earlier under certain
circumstances, such as a vote of no confidence in the government.
-Leadership : The leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons
becomes the Prime Minister, who is the head of the government. The Speaker of the
House of Commons, elected by MPs, presides over debates, ensuring orderly conduct.
House of Lords
-Membership: The House of Lords consists of appointed members, including life

peers, hereditary peers, and bishops from the Church of England. Life peers are
appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister or the House of Lords
Appointments Commission. Hereditary peers inherit their titles, although their
numbers are limited by the House of Lords Act 1999.
-Term Length: Members of the House of Lords do not have fixed terms. Life peers serve
for life, while hereditary peers may pass their titles to successors.
-Leadership: The Lord Speaker presides over the House of Lords. However, unlike the
Speaker of the House of Commons, the Lord Speaker's role is more ceremonial. The
Leader of the House of Lords, a member of the government, coordinates government
business in the Lords.
In conclusion, the U.K. Parliament's bicameral structure—comprising the elected

House of Commons and the appointed House of Lords—ensures a balanced and
thorough legislative process. Each house plays a distinct yet complementary role,
contributing to the effective governance and democratic integrity of the United
Kingdom. This system allows for both the representation of the public's will and the
incorporation of expert and independent perspectives in law-making.
The United Kingdom (U.K.) Parliament is the heart of British democracy, with the
House of Commons playing a central role in its legislative process. As the primary
legislative body, the House of Commons holds significant powers and performs
various functions critical to the governance of the country
Let’s discern the function of House of Commons ;
- Representation: Members of the House of Commons represent their constituents'

interests and concerns. They bring local issues to national attention and advocate for
policies that benefit their constituencies.
- Constituent Services: MPs assist constituents with problems they encounter with
government services, acting as intermediaries between the public and the
government. This role reinforces the connection between the electorate and their
representatives.
- National Debate: The House of Commons is a forum for debating significant national
and international issues. These debates can influence public opinion and government
policy, even if they do not result in immediate legislative action.
These functions ensure that the House of Commons plays a central role in maintaining
democratic governance and accountability in the United Kingdom.
Let’s discerns the powers of House of Commons.;

- Legislation: The House of Commons is responsible for proposing, debating, and
passing legislation. Bills can be introduced by the government or individual MPs
(known as Private Members' Bills). A bill must pass several readings and stages in the
Commons before moving to the House of Lords.
- Budget and Finance: The House of Commons holds the "power of the purse,"
meaning it controls public expenditure. It examines, amends, and approves the
government's budget and taxation proposals. This financial authority is a key check on
the executive branch.
- Government Oversight: MPs scrutinize the actions and policies of the government
through various mechanisms, including Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs), debates,
and select committees. These activities ensure government accountability and
transparency.
- Confidence and Dissolution: The House of Commons has the power to express
confidence or no confidence in the government. A successful vote of no confidence
can lead to the resignation of the government and possibly trigger a general election.
In conclusion, the House of Commons is a pivotal institution within the U.K.

Parliament, wielding substantial powers and fulfilling essential functions that uphold
democratic governance. From legislating and controlling finances to representing
constituents and overseeing the government, the House of Commons ensures that the
interests of the public are at the heart of the political process. Its role in maintaining
checks and balances is crucial for the integrity and effectiveness of the United
Kingdom's parliamentary democracy.

PA 201

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PA 201

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

PA 201

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Question : Describe The Structure of U.S. Congress.

Critically discuss the

- Leadership: The Vice President of the United States serves as the

Powers and Functions

2. Oversight and Investigations:

4. Budget and Appropriations:

The U.S. House of Representatives, through its legislative, oversight, and

-The United Kingdom (U.K.) Parliament is a pivotal institution in British politics,

-Membership: The House of Commons is composed of 650 Members of Parliament

-Membership: The House of Lords consists of appointed members, including life

In conclusion, the U.K. Parliament's bicameral structure—comprising the elected

Let’s discern the function of House of Commons ;

- Representation: Members of the House of Commons represent their constituents'

Let’s discerns the powers of House of Commons.;

In conclusion, the House of Commons is a pivotal institution within the U.K.

You might also like