Congress: The Act of Coming Together and Lawmaking
Definition
Congress refers to the act or action of coming together and meeting for a purpose. In a political context, it denotes a legislative body composed of elected representatives.
The United States Congress
Structure and Functions
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government. It consists of two bodies: the House of Representatives (lower body) and the Senate (upper body). The House is composed of 435 members, each representing a specific district, while the Senate has 100 members, two from each state.
Congress's primary responsibilities include making laws, approving the national budget, overseeing the executive branch, and declaring war.
Etymology and Usage
The term "congress" originates from the Late Middle English word "congres," which meant an encounter or meeting between adversaries during battle. It is derived from the Latin word "congressus," meaning "coming together."
Example Sentences
- The conference brought together a diverse group of experts in the field.
- The United States Congress is responsible for enacting laws that govern the nation.
- The annual congress of the International Medical Association provided a platform for researchers to share their findings.
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