The Legislative branch

Description

Although the office of the President personifies American leadership, the Legislative branch was actually designed to hold at least as much power as the Executive, if not more. Many Founding Fathers envisioned Congress as the primary governing body, given its closeness, politically speaking, to the people. This program examines the origins, history, and activities of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Topics include the roots of today's legislative branch in the Continental Congress of the Revolutionary period; the reasons why a bicameral legislature was ultimately deemed necessary; the unique characteristics of both legislative chambers; the specific functions of Congress, from writing and passing bills to ratifying treaties to declaring war; and more.

Runtime

26 min

Series

Subjects

Geography

Genre

Date of Publication

[2009], c2010

Database

Films on Demand

Direct Link

Similar Films

Amendments 5 8. Justice amendments
Amendment 4. Unreasonable search and seizure
Elections and political parties
The Executive branch
Can you hear us now?
A Day in the life of a senator
Citizenship and civic responsibilities
Black/white & brown. Brown v. The Board of Education of Topeka
Amendment 14. Civil rights of citizens
United Steelworkers' Leo Gerard
The Australian legal system
The Judicial branch
Evolution of the congress
Amendment 23. D.C. Voting
The Executive branch of government. Study of federal and state government