What Is the Main Job of Congress?

The United States government differs in organization from many other western democracies. The Founding Fathers applied the notion of checks and balances to their government organization. Congress is one of three separate branches, which must act in conjunction to effectively make and enforce laws. That distinction--and Congress's separate status from the president, who serves as the perceived head of the U.S. government--can make their duties somewhat confusing at times. A strong Congress is as necessary as a strong president: many times, even more so.

Three Branches

In general terms, Congress serves as the legislative branch of the U.S. government. They make the laws. The executive branch, consisting of the president and the apparatus beneath him, enforces the laws. The judicial branch, headed by the Supreme Court, interprets the laws. Each branch thus has a distinctive sphere of influence, but requires the other two to function effectively.

Bicameral Legislature

Congress is a bicameral legislature, which consists of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The House consists of 435 members, elected by overall population. The Senate consists of 100 members, two for each state. The balance is intended to keep smaller, less populous states from being beholden to larger states.

Job of Both Houses

Article I of the U.S. Constitution spells out Congress's duties. Most pertinently, they have the ability to collect taxes, borrow and coin money and regulate commerce: the "power of the purse," which serves as a sharp check on the executive branch. They also have the power to declare war and to fund the armed forces, to establish post offices and to establish courts below the Supreme Court. They serve to oversee the executive branch, and can impeach and remove both the president and federal officials beneath him. Legislation must be passed by both houses of Congress before it can be signed into law.

Job of the House of Representatives

The House of Representatives has several unique powers that the Senate does not. Spending bills must originate in the House, giving them the ability to "start the ball rolling" on any federal money. The House also has the ability to impeach federal officials and, in the instance of an electoral deadlock, can elect the President of the United States.

Job of the U.S. Senate

The U.S. Senate, for its part, has the power to ratify all treaties with foreign nations, which the House cannot do. They can also approve many of the president's appointments: Cabinet members, ambassadors, federal judges and the heads of many federal agencies. While the House of Representatives may impeach federal officials, the Senate has the power to try such impeachments, and in the event of an electoral deadlock, gets to select the Vice President.