Module 3: Congress

When the American nation was founded, the powers of the government were split into three separate branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. These three branches were established to ensure that power was distributed evenly within the government. The goal was to avoid the monarchial rule that the nation had experienced when the British were in control.

This module will explore the legislative branch, which was the first branch created under Article I of the U.S. Constitution. You will understand how Congress is organized, how its members and leadership are chosen, the work that Congress does, the powers Congress possesses, and how individuals and groups can influence the lawmaking process. The purpose of this module is to help you gain a better understanding of the legislative branch's importance and how it affects you and your daily life.

Getting Started

This module focuses on the legislative branch of American government, known as Congress. Consider everything you have already learned about Congress. Make a list describing what Congress is, how it is organized, and what it does. As you are creating your list, try to provide at least five specific examples.

Key Vocabulary

To view the definitions for these key vocabulary terms, visit the course glossary.