Congress is an important part of our government, but it doesn't have unlimited power. There are rules and limits that help keep Congress in check. Here are three key limits on Congress's power:
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Checks and Balances: The United States government is divided into three branches: the legislative (Congress), the executive (the President), and the judicial (the courts). Each branch has its own powers and responsibilities, and they can check each other. For example, if Congress passes a law but the President doesn’t agree with it, the President can veto (reject) the law. This means that Congress can't just make any law it wants without considering the President's opinion. This limit makes sure that no one branch becomes too powerful.
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The Constitution: The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It outlines what powers Congress has and what it cannot do. For instance, Congress can't make laws that violate people's rights, like laws that take away free speech or the right to worship. If Congress tries to pass a law that goes against the Constitution, the courts can strike it down. This means that Congress must operate within the rules set by the Constitution, limiting its power to act freely.
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Public Opinion: Congress is made up of elected representatives who want to keep their jobs. This means they must listen to the people who voted for them. If Congress makes decisions that upset a lot of people, those representatives might lose their seats in the next election. This accountability to the voters limits Congress's power because they cannot just ignore the needs and opinions of the public.
Out of these limits, I think the Constitution is the most important. It is the foundation that protects our rights and defines the government's power. Without the Constitution, Congress could make unfair laws without any consequences. The Constitution helps ensure that everyone is treated fairly and that the government does not overstep its boundaries.
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