Congress

Congress is a term that refers to a formal meeting of representatives who have the authority to make laws. The term is also used to describe the legislative body of a country, particularly those that operate under a parliamentary or semi-presidential system of government. In the United States, the Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government, consisting of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

History

The concept of a congress dates back to ancient times, with the Roman Senate being one of the earliest examples of a legislative body. The modern concept of a congress as a legislative body was first established in the United States with the creation of the United States Congress in 1789.

Structure and Function

A congress typically consists of two chambers or houses: an upper house and a lower house. The specific structure and powers of a congress can vary greatly from country to country. In the United States, for example, the Congress is made up of the Senate (the upper house) and the House of Representatives (the lower house). The members of both houses are elected by the citizens of the United States.

The primary function of a congress is to make laws. In addition to this, a congress may also have the power to declare war, ratify treaties, and oversee the executive branch of government.

Congress in Different Countries

While the term "congress" is most commonly associated with the United States, many other countries also have a congress. For example, the National Congress of Brazil is the legislative body of Brazil, while the National People's Congress is the highest organ of state power in the People's Republic of China.

See Also

• Parliament
• Legislature
• Senate
• House of Representatives

Congress Resources
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