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Congress. The National Legislature. The National Legislature. We live in a representative democracy : It is the representatives of the people who are responsible for the day to day work of government. Congress is the legislative branch of the government.
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Congress The National Legislature
The National Legislature • We live in a representative democracy: • It is the representatives of the people who are responsible for the day to day work of government. • Congress is the legislative branch of the government. • Congress is charged with the most basic governmental function in a democratic society. • Translating the public will into public policy in the form of law.
A Bicameral Congress Why did the Constitution create a bicameral legislature? • Historical Factors • Practical • Framers had to create a two chambered body to settle the conflict between the Virginia and the New York Plans at Philadelphia. • Bicameralism is a reflection of federalism. • Theoretical • One house might act as a check on the other. • Framers wanted to diffuse the power of Congress and keep it from overwhelming the other two branches.