The framers of the Constitution regarded Congress as
A) the preeminent branch of the federal government.
B) the branch with the least of all the powers of government.
C) a body that was most to resemble British traditions in parliamentary government.
(D) a compromise on the issue of slavery.
(E) the body solely imbued with the power to veto the laws.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
A) the preeminent branch of the federal government.
Explanation:
The framers of the U.S. Constitution designed Congress to be the most powerful and central branch of the federal government. This was rooted in their distrust of concentrated executive power and their belief that the legislative branch, which directly represents the people through elected representatives, should hold primary authority over lawmaking and governance.
Historical Context:
Under the Articles of Confederation, the original governing document before the Constitution, the national legislature was weak and lacked many crucial powers, such as taxing and regulating commerce. This led to an ineffective central government. The framers wanted to strengthen the legislative branch to create a more balanced but still dominant federal government.
Structure and Powers of Congress:
Congress is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, both designed to represent the people and the states respectively. The Constitution grants Congress broad powers, including:
- The power to make laws (Article I, Section 1),
- The power to levy taxes,
- Regulate interstate and international commerce,
- Declare war,
- Raise and support armies,
- Control the budget and spending,
- The power to impeach and remove executive and judicial officials.
These extensive powers highlight Congress’s central role.
Checks and Balances:
While Congress is powerful, the Constitution also sets up checks and balances by granting the president veto power and giving the judiciary the power to interpret laws. However, Congress can override presidential vetoes and has substantial control over federal spending and policy-making.
Why Not the Other Options?
- B) Congress was not meant to be the branch with the least power—quite the opposite.
- C) The framers did not want Congress to simply mimic British parliamentary traditions, which concentrate power in a Prime Minister. Instead, Congress was meant to be separate and co-equal.
- D) While compromises were made on slavery in the Constitution, Congress itself was not created as a compromise specifically on this issue.
- E) The power to veto laws belongs to the president, not Congress.
In conclusion, the framers envisioned Congress as the dominant branch of government, reflecting the principle of popular sovereignty and legislative supremacy, hence answer A is correct.