Lesson 21
What is the Role of Congress in American Constitutional Democracy?
Congress often is called America's first branch of government because of its lawmaking powers and its control over the nation's purse. More than any other branch of the national government, it is the people's branch. Members of Congress are directly accountable to those who elect them. This lesson examines Congress's constitutional powers and how Congress represents both the people and the states.Section 1
How does Congress differ from the British Parliament?- Discussion and research questions
Section 2
What are the differences between the executive and legislative functions in the British parliamentary system and the American system?- Discussion and research questions
Section 3
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the American system of federalism and the unitary system in Great Britain?- Discussion and research questions
Section 4
What are the constitutional powers of Congress? How does it represent the interests of the people and serve its constituents?- Discussion and research questions