Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The legislative branch of the United States federal government: The U.S. Congress is the bicameral legislature, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, responsible for making federal laws, declaring war, and overseeing the executive branch.

Usage

• The term "U.S. Congress" is used to refer specifically to the national legislative body of the United States. It is a singular collective noun but can take a plural verb when referring to its members as individuals.
• It is often used in political, historical, and governmental contexts.

Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The U.S. Congress passed a new budget bill last week.
  • A member of the U.S. Congress proposed the legislation.
  • The power to levy taxes is granted to the U.S. Congress by the Constitution.

Advanced Usage

• "before Congress": appearing to testify or present information to the legislative body.
  • The Director of the FBI will appear before Congress next Tuesday.
• "an act of Congress": a law formally enacted by this body.
  • This program was established by an act of Congress.

Variants and Related Words

• Congress (noun, often capitalized): When used in an American context, "Congress" is typically understood to mean the U.S. Congress.
  • She was elected to Congress in 2020.
• Congressional (adjective): Relating to the U.S. Congress.
  • The investigation is led by a congressional committee.
• Congressperson / Congressman / Congresswoman (noun): A member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • Our congresswoman represents this district.

Synonyms

• The legislative branch: One of the three branches of the U.S. federal government.
• The legislature (of the United States): A more formal term for the law-making body.

Related Phrases

• Convene Congress: To call the members of Congress to assemble for a session.
  • The President does not have the power to convene Congress for special sessions.
• Adjourn Congress: To formally suspend the proceedings of Congress.
  • The Senate voted to adjourn Congress for the holiday recess.

Related Concepts

• Bicameralism: The principle of a two-house legislature, which is a defining feature of the U.S. Congress (the Senate and the House of Representatives).
• Capitol Hill: A metonym for the U.S. Congress, referring to the location of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., where Congress meets.
  • The decision was made on Capitol Hill.

Noun

1. the legislature of the United States government