What is the role of Congress in the United States government?

The role of Congress in the United States government is primarily to make laws. Congress is a bicameral legislature, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and is responsible for drafting, debating, and passing legislation that governs the country. This involves discussing various proposals and making decisions on which laws to enact, reflecting the will of the people through their elected representatives.

Making laws is a fundamental function of Congress, as it shapes the rules and regulations that affect all aspects of American life, including education, healthcare, the economy, and civil rights. Once Congress passes a bill, it is then sent to the President for approval or veto, but the initial responsibility for lawmaking lies with Congress.

The other options relate to different branches of government; for instance, enforcing laws is the domain of the executive branch, while interpreting laws falls under the judicial branch. The veto power is specifically a function of the President, allowing them to reject legislation passed by Congress but not a role of Congress itself. Understanding these distinctions enriches the knowledge of how the U.S. government operates as a system of checks and balances.