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Lesson 22: How Does Congress Perform Its Functions in the American Constitutional System?


Lesson Objectives

When you have finished this lesson, you should  be able to
  • describe the role of rules, committees, and political parties in the organization and operation of Congress,
  • describe the process through which proposed  legislation becomes law,
  • identify the primary sources on which members of Congress rely for information in the lawmaking process and to explain the importance of Congress’s inherent power to investigate,
  • explain why compromise is required in the deliberative process, and
  • evaluate, take, and defend positions on how  Congress functions and whether it should  streamline its procedures.