Chapter 2 – The Legislative Branch: The Voice of the People
1. Why Congress Exists
The Founders believed that government should never belong to one person or one group. Power must rest with the people, expressed through elected representatives.
That is why the Constitution begins its structure with Article I – the Legislative Branch.
Congress makes the laws, decides how to spend public money, and represents the will of citizens.
Every major policy — from taxes to defense — begins with a law passed by Congress.
2. The Two Houses
Congress has two chambers to balance the voices of people and states.
- The House of Representatives represents the people directly. States with more people get more representatives. Each member serves two years.
- The Senate represents the states equally – two senators per state, serving six years each.
This design ensures that both population and geography have a fair say in lawmaking.
3. Powers of Congress
Article I lists the powers of Congress, often called “enumerated powers.” They include:
- Making and collecting taxes
- Borrowing money for the nation
- Regulating trade between states and with foreign countries
- Establishing post offices and federal courts
- Declaring war and maintaining the armed forces
- Creating laws “necessary and proper” to carry out all these duties
This last clause – known as the Necessary and Proper Clause – allows Congress to adapt to new challenges while staying within constitutional limits.
4. Checks and Balances
Congress can pass laws, but the President can veto them.
Congress can override that veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.
Congress also holds hearings, approves treaties, confirms judges, and can remove officials through impeachment.
In short, Congress is the people’s check on concentrated power – a living expression of “We the People.”
5. The Spirit of Representation
The health of the Republic depends on how faithfully members of Congress serve their citizens.
When representatives listen, debate respectfully, and legislate for the common good, the Constitution lives in them.
Our duty as citizens is to stay informed, vote regularly, and hold them accountable – not as enemies, but as partners in the work of democracy.
Key Quote
“All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States.” – Article I, Section 1
Civic Reflection
The Founders built Congress to be noisy, diverse, and sometimes slow – because deliberation protects liberty. Speed belongs to tyranny; patience belongs to the Republic.
Truth. Justice. Law. Unity.
Together for the Republic. 💙🇺🇸