United States Congress and its Bicameral Legislature

3122 Words7 Pages

Congress was established to represent the people; to serve a purpose bigger than themselves. The delegates battled with each other all for the greater good. Their responsibility was to facilitate prosperity and to set up a safe and flourishing country for their eager citizens. Similarly, their duty is to serve the constituents and their country. This is done through extensive processes of legislation and investigations of national significance. To get the job done in Congress, it may not always be pretty. Throughout the history of the law-making governmental body, there has been gun-fights, fist-fights, and verbal assaults amongst members. This branch has made decisions that have highly influenced the country varying from such acts as declaring and ending war to establishing Mother's Day. “Higher office is on the minds of many delegates. They may not see their position exclusively as a stepping-stone to a higher office, but many members are clearly ambitious”1 Nearly half of all U.S. presidents served in congress before obtaining their executive position. The everlasting Congress in the United States is composed of two houses. This system of government is called bicameral legislature. 'Bicameral' literally means dual-chambered. In the case of British Parliament it refers to the House of Lords and the House of Commons. In context with the U.S. Congress they are the Senate and the House of representatives. This model for governance resolved many of the present contracting and legislative issues. The constitutional government in 17th century England is thought to be the origin of the contemporary political set up that the United States' Congress is derived from. The United States had the task of establishing a go... ... middle of paper ... ...hist/njconstconvention.html>. Brown, W. Jethro. The Underlying Principles of Modern Legislation. London: John Murray, 1920. Print. "The Virginia Plan - The U.S. Constitution Online - USConstitution.net." Index Page - The U.S. Constitution Online - USConstitution.net. Web. 03 June 2010. . Ellis, Joseph J. Passionate Sage: the Character and Legacy of John Adams. New York: Norton, 1993. Print. Ellis, Joseph J. American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies at the Founding of the Republic. New York: A. A. Knopf, 2007. Print. "William Paterson." U.S. Army Center Of Military History. Web. 02 June 2010. . "Constitution Menu: Constitutional Convention Overview." James Madison University - Home. Web. 03 June 2010. .

Open Document