a) Three roles of Congress and their influence on American politics:
Lawmaking: Congress has the power to make laws that affect all aspects of American life. Through the introduction and passage of bills, Congress addresses issues such as taxation, healthcare, education, and national defense. For example, the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was a bill introduced and passed by Congress that sought to reform the American healthcare system.
Oversight: Congress also plays an important role in overseeing the executive branch and ensuring that laws are being properly implemented. Through hearings and investigations, Congress can hold government officials accountable for their actions. For example, the House of Representatives conducted an impeachment inquiry into President Trump's alleged abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
Representation: Members of Congress are elected to represent their constituents and advocate for their interests. They work to ensure that their constituents' voices are heard in the lawmaking process. For example, Senator Bernie Sanders has been a vocal advocate for universal healthcare and has introduced bills such as the Medicare for All Act.
b) The process of how a bill becomes a law:
First, a member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. The bill is then assigned to a committee for review.
The committee may hold hearings, conduct research, and make changes to the bill before voting on whether to send it to the full chamber for consideration.
If the bill is approved by the committee, it is debated and voted on by the full chamber. If it passes one chamber, it moves on to the other chamber for consideration.
If the bill is passed by both chambers, a conference committee is formed to reconcile any differences between the two versions of the bill.
Once a compromise is reached, the bill is sent back to both chambers for a final vote. If it passes both chambers, it is sent to the President for signature. If the President signs the bill, it becomes law.
An example of a law that went through this process is the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which was introduced in the House of Representatives, passed both chambers of Congress, and was signed into law by President Biden. The law provided economic relief to individuals and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
c) The intent of the framers when constructing the Legislative Branch:
The framers of the Constitution designed the Legislative Branch to be a co-equal branch of government with the power to make laws and provide a check on the other branches of government. They vested all legislative power in Congress to ensure that the people's representatives would have the authority to make decisions on behalf of the American people. This was seen as a way to prevent tyranny and protect individual liberties. The framers believed that a strong Legislative Branch was essential to the success of the new republic.
d) Enumerated and Implied Powers:
Enumerated powers are specific powers granted to Congress by the Constitution. These include the power to declare war, regulate commerce, and levy taxes. Implied powers are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are necessary for Congress to carry out its enumerated powers. These include the power to create a national bank, establish a draft, and regulate the internet.
An example of an enumerated power is the power to declare war. Congress has the authority to declare war on another country, as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. An example of an implied power is the power to create a national bank. Although the Constitution does not explicitly state that Congress has the power to create a national bank, it is necessary to carry out its enumerated power to regulate commerce.