Bicameral System made up of the Senate and House of Representatives
- Representatives of states and people
- Breadth of opinion
- Creates laws
- Limits president’s power, prevents tyranny
Powers of Congress (both houses)
-
Equal legislative power
- neither house is more important
- Override presidential veto
- Initiate constitutional amendments
- Declarations of war
- Confirm appointed VPs
Powers of the House of Representatives
- Initiate money bills (Power of the Purse)
- Vote on Impeachment
- Elect a president in case of Electoral College deadlock
Powers of the Senate
- Confirm Presidential appointments
- Ratify Treaties
- Try the accused in cases of impeachment
- Elect VP in case of Electoral College deadlock
Separation of powers
-
Affordable Care Act 2009-2010 (Obamacare)
- House passed a liberal version of healthcare reform in Nov 2009 including a public option (public insurance plan)
-
Senate passed a more moderate version in Dec 2009 without public option
- Had to appeal to conservative Democrats to get 60 votes to overcome filibuster
- House had to accept Senate’s version or the bill would die
- House ultimately passed the Senate’s more moderate version
- Prevents the majority from forcing through preferred policy and ensure there is compromise on all bills