Importance of Congress – Functions

All legislative powers are vested within the Congress – a two part governmental body including both the Senate and House of Representatives. The Senate, a 100 member group with 2 senators from each state, is elected by the people with direct reference to the 17th amendment. All senators must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizens for at least 9 years, and be a resident of the state they are elected from. Their term remains for six years and 1/3 of the total Senate is elected every two years. This allows for a continual change. Of the two senators elected per state, the one elected first is referred to as the senior senator of that state and the other, junior.

The House of Representatives, comprised of 435 members are elected every two years. The number of representatives per state are determined by total population. The Constitution limits the number of representatives to not more than one for every 30,000 people. Representatives must be at least 25 years, have been a U.S. citizens for seven years and be a resident of the state they are elected from. In addition to representatives from each of the states, there is a Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico and Delegates from the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam and the Virgin Islands.

A Congress lasts for two years, and is divided into two sessions. Both the Senate and House of Representatives have equal legislative functions and powers (except the House may initiate revenue bills) and they are not referred to as the “upper” and/or “lower” houses. The chief function of Congress is the making of laws. This is especially important to maintain order within a large country. Without this order, there would be no organization, and it could be assumed that the country could not be as successful as it is because of this structure. Changing times call for changing laws. With a continual look on the present time, representatives and senators can update legislation so that it is impactful for what concerns citizens now.

Another important function of the Congress is the service to their constituents. As people elected these senators/representatives, it is seen as a way to speak for them on what they want passed within Congress. Constituents may phone, email or submit letters to their representatives on issues that they feel are important. By bringing these issues to attention, these representatives/senators can better serve their people by attempting to support bills that directly align with these wants. Citizens may also lobby by visiting their representatives and urging them to support a given cause. This is just some of the many ways that constituents can influence the power of their elected officials.

In conclusion, the impact of elected officials creating laws, and thereby, serving their constituents has been increasingly effective through time. In issues of a declining economy and continual war, elected officials can be the voice of their people and attempt to influence change in whatever direction their constituents wish. This influence allows for somewhat of hope for citizens in that what they have to say can maybe directly affect what is going on in their country, at least in essence.