The Role of Congress: A Brief Introduction to the Legislative Branch

A pile of pins decorated with American flags and slogans. Photo by Marek Studzinski on Unsplash.

Overview

In 1788, the Founding Fathers ratified the United States Constitution, thereby establishing the framework for the federal government, including the **Legislative Branch**.

The Constitution is divided into seven articles: distinct chapters that cover various topics essential for establishing the government of the United States.

Article I, which follows the well-known **preamble *(“We the People…”)* establishes the Legislative Branch. It begins with Section 1, which states:

“All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.”

The Legislative Branch, also known as **Congress, is responsible for introducing and passing laws, which are also referred to as legislation or bills**.

Bicameralism: The Two Chambers

The Founders established a bicameral legislature — composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate — as a “double security” for the People: that is, the two chambers are meant to serve as a check on each other, ensuring that only well-considered laws are enacted.

The House of Representatives

• 435 members
• two-year terms
• number of Representatives is proportional to population
• elections every 2 years

The two-year terms in the House of Representatives were designed to keep House members attuned to shifts in public opinion. Representation in the House is apportioned among the 50 states every 10 years based on population.

The Senate

• 100 members
• six-year terms
• two senators from each state, regardless of population
• 1/3 of body elected every 2 years

While the Founders designed the House of Representatives to match the population distribution of the states, the Senate gives equal representation to each state. This arrangement was intended to protect the interests of less populous states and was part of a broader concern that unchecked majority rule could suppress the viewpoints of states with smaller populations.

What is Legislation?

In a representative democracy, such as the United States, citizens elect congresspeople to advocate for their interests in the legislative process.

Legislation must be passed in each chamber before they can be signed into law by the President. Neither chamber of Congress has the authority to enact legislation on its own.

A bill must be passed in both the House and the Senate before it can be signed into law or vetoed by the President.

In the past few years, Congress has passed bills regarding defense spending, environmental protections, foreign aid, and more. A list of some of the bills awaiting votes can be found here.

The Role of the People

Elections are a key way that citizens hold power over the government. The Founders thought it was vital that people retained their autonomy and could fight potential oppression from governmental authorities. When there is a well-informed voting population, officials are accountable to serve their constituents if they hope to be re-elected.

Some may believe congresspeople are often swayed by voices other than those of their constituents and that interest groups and wealthy lobbyists influence members of Congress to maintain the interests of these groups, which may be at odds with those of the constituents.

However, the influence of powerful groups need not dissuade individuals from self-advocacy. **IssueVoter compiles SUPPORT and OPPOSE **input on legislation and delivers this feedback directly to lawmakers and their staff. These opinions are shared exclusively with the elected officials who represent the user.

The Capitol Building in Washington, DC is home to Congress and houses the chambers for the House of Representatives and the Senate. Photo by Wilmer Olano on Unsplash.

Barriers to Civic Participation

Although the government should derive its power from the People, today’s complex political landscape presents many possible barriers to active civic participation. Obstacles include the:

• overwhelming legislation volume introduced by Congress each session, with most receiving no public attention or minimal understanding e.g. roughly 20,000 House and Senate bills and resolutions were introduced during the 1st and 2nd Sessions of the 118th Congress (2023–2024)
• unique jargon in legal documents that creates barriers to comprehension and meaningful engagement
• inefficient and outdated channels for constituent communication

Many Americans feel that their representatives are simply out of touch and don’t adequately advocate for their constituents. According to a 2024 survey by the Pew Research Center, over 80% of Americans believe that elected officials are indifferent to their opinions. This common perception underscores the need for better communication and more responsive representation between congresspeople and their constituents.

A Need for Increased Accountability and Accessibility

In a nation governed on laws, public policy affects every major issue and serves as a key mechanism for achieving large-scale structural change. Although Congress and the legislative process can seem complex and difficult to navigate, they are fundamental components of America’s system of governance.

Ultimately, members of Congress derive their power from the constituents they represent and, therefore, they must remain accountable to their constituents. Gaining a better understanding of how Congress operates — and how to communicate more effectively with their elected representatives — empowers citizens to engage more meaningfully in democracy.

Introducing IssueVoter

Head to IssueVoter.org to learn more!

Civic engagement in policymaking is critical. Why? Consider an issue you care about. Is it the environment? Social justice? We are a nation built on laws; policy affects every issue and is what creates large-scale, sustainable, and structural change.

The Solution

IssueVoter is a user-friendly, effective digital platform that empowers all constituents — inclusive of all ages — to participate in the policymaking process year-round. IssueVoter teaches individuals about the legislative process in real time. Launching the day after the 2016 Election, IssueVoter answers the question, “You voted, now what?”

How it Works

A free public resource, IssueVoter makes learning and participating easy and accessible.

• IssueVoter summarizes bills in plain, nonpartisan language, including opinions from both sides;
• Sends alerts about key new bills, customized to the issue(s) each individual user cares about;
• A single click, via the IssueVoter website or iOS app, allows individuals to send their opinions directly to their representatives’ offices before Congress votes; and
• Generates a personalized representative scorecard that shows each user how their opinions align with their representatives’ votes, helping them become more informed voters.

IssueVoter enables individuals to make their voices heard year-round.

IssueVoter is unlike other services and resources: it is not a poll to sell individuals’ data, or a petition used for list building.

With IssueVoter, users can send their opinion in one click, without having to enter their information each time. Opinions are delivered directly to the congressional staff person in charge of tallying constituent opinions. Staff report that they appreciate opinions from IssueVoter because they know users have had the opportunity to read a summary of the bill and see both sides. They do not lump IssueVoter messages in with the bulk advocacy campaign messages that they receive.

IssueVoter is a non-partisan platform that makes civic engagement accessible, efficient, and impactful. Stay up-to-date with legislation and make your voice heard! Sign up for IssueVoter to keep track of Congress from your inbox!