preview

Importance Of Congress The Most Powerful Branch Of Government

Decent Essays

Congress as the Most Powerful Branch of Government In the Federalist 51 of the Federalist Papers James Madison writes “In republican government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates...the weight of the legislative authority requires that it should be thus divided.” It is necessary for the legislative branch to have the most power because they reflect the will of the people since we directly elect members of Congress and the laws the legislative branch creates inevitably affects the people. The members of the legislative branch are the closest link to the people; they represent specific interest groups and must be responsive to those interest groups or risk losing re-election. The framers of the constitution such as James Madison believed that since Congress is closest to the people they would have a democratic legitimacy that neither the Executive or Judicial branches would possess. Congress has a multitude of powers over the executive branch such as they may pass laws by overriding a presidential veto, may approve presidential appointments and foreign treaties, may investigate actions of the executive branch, and have impeachment powers over the President. The checks that Congress has over the judicial branch is that Congress must approve appointed judges (a check on the judicial branch before they even get there), have impeachment powers over federal officers and may propose amendments to overturn judicial decisions. If these powers weren’t enough to cement

Get Access