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This assignment is designed to help you think about how the Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution and examine how the Presidency and Congress are functioning today. Consider the current Congress and Office of the President. Discuss how contemporary activities of these two branches of the U.S. government compare and contrast with the intentions of the founders. Use specific examples, and include support from at least 3 sources, 1 of which can be your textbook. Your examination of the topic should include information about the following: Structure and makeup of Congress Differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate Powers granted to Congress and the President under the Constitution Checks and balances of power, considering Congress, the President, and the judiciary Roles and responsibilities of the President Evolution of presidential power How bills become laws Format your assignment as one of the following: 18- to 20-slide presentation with detailed speaker notes 15- to 20-minute oral presentation 875-word paper Another format approved by your instructor Include citations for all unoriginal ideas, facts, or definitions in an APA-formatted reference list.

Paper For Above instruction

The United States Constitution, drafted in 1787 by the Founding Fathers, established the framework for the federal government, including the legislative and executive branches. Over the centuries, both Congress and the Presidency have evolved significantly, often diverging from the original intentions of the founding architects. This paper explores the structure and functioning of Congress and the Presidency today, comparing them with the intentions of the founders, and examining how their roles have changed over time.

Structure and Makeup of Congress

The U.S. Congress is a bicameral legislature composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Founders envisioned a legislative body that would be representative of the people, with the House reflecting the popular will and the Senate serving as a more deliberative body, originally intended to be selected by state legislatures. Today, members of the House are elected every two years, ensuring responsiveness to public opinion, while Senators serve six-year terms with staggered elections, providing stability and continuity.

Differences Between the House and the Senate

The House and Senate differ markedly in their powers and responsibilities. The House has 435 members apportioned based on population, with a focus on initiating revenue bills and impeaching federal officials. The Senate, with 100 members, has the authority to confirm presidential appointments, ratify treaties, and hold impeachment trials. These differences reflect the founders’ intent to balance populist representation with sober, stable deliberation.

Powers Granted to Congress and the President

The Constitution grants Congress enumerated powers such as levying taxes, regulating commerce, and declaring war. The President is endowed with powers including veto authority, commander-in-chief status, and the ability to make treaties (with Senate approval). Originally, these roles were designed to prevent tyranny by distributing power, a concept known as checks and balances.

Checks and Balances

The founders intentionally created a system where each branch could limit the others. For instance, Congress can pass laws, but the President can veto them; Congress can override vetoes with a two-thirds majority; the judiciary can declare laws unconstitutional. This interplay ensures neither branch becomes absolute.

Roles and Responsibilities of the President

The President is tasked with enforcing laws, conducting foreign policy, and serving as a symbolic leader of the nation. Over time, presidential powers have expanded, especially during crises or wars, exemplified by presidents like Franklin D. Roosevelt and, more recently, Barack Obama’s use of executive orders.

Evolution of Presidential Power

The office of the President has grown from a minimally active role to one of significant influence. Factors contributing to this evolution include the rise of mass communication, increased federal responsibilities, and the need for swift decision-making during crises. The War Powers Resolution and executive orders exemplify this expansion.

How Bills Become Laws

The process involves multiple stages: introduction, committee review, debate, voting in both chambers, and presidential approval. This complex process was designed to ensure thorough review, reflecting the founders’ intent to prevent hasty legislation while still allowing for effective governance.

In conclusion, while the structure of Congress and the Presidency remains rooted in the original design of the Constitution, their functions and powers have evolved in response to changing national needs and political realities. Understanding these changes is crucial for appreciating the current dynamics of American government and ensuring accountability and effective governance.

References

• Baum, L. (2018). The Myth of Judicial Activism. Everette Publishing.
• Fisher, L. (2017). Presidential Power and the Constitution. Oxford University Press.
• Pearson, C. (2020). Congressional Dynamics and Political Change. Routledge.
• Schick, A. (2012). The Federal Budget: Politics and Process. Congressional Quarterly Press.
• Skowronek, S. (2014). The Politics Presidents Make. Belknap Press.
• U.S. Constitution. (1787). Federalist Papers and Amendments.
• Woolley, J. (2019). The Executive Branch: Power and Responsiveness. Sage Publications.
• Zelizer, J. (2015). The President and the Constitution. Harvard University Press.
• Heclo, H. (2015). Bureaucracy and Political Power. Princeton University Press.
• Canes-Wrone, B. (2018). Leadership and Politics. Cambridge University Press.