美国国会作为代议民主制度的核心机构，在塑造国家制度发展中发挥了关键作用。1自1789年众参两院按现有形式首次召开以来，国会在税收、人权、社会保障、战争权力和议员行为规范等多个领域做出了深远影响。1
在财政与社会保障方面，国会的立法权形塑了美国的经济体系。1所得税现已占美国联邦税收的约50%，1而国会通过的社会保障法案惠及约7500万人，五分之二的美国人使用医疗保险或医疗补助。1超过2000万人注册了平价医疗法案。1在国家权力制衡上，1973年国会通过战争权力法案，要求总统在冲突60天内寻求国会批准，以制约行政权力。1此外，国会还保持了对议员行为的监督权，2023年众议院以压倒性证据为由驱逐共和党众议员乔治·桑托斯。1
近年来国会的权力相对总统权力出现了衰退，反映出美国权力制衡体系的演变。1
The United States Congress, first convened in its current bicameral form in 1789, has served as the central institution through which America addresses its most pressing challenges 1. Over more than two centuries, the legislative branch has shaped the nation's financial, social, and constitutional development through its power to tax, establish rights protections, and authorize military action.
Congress has wielded substantial influence over the American economy and social welfare systems. Income taxes now account for approximately 50 percent of federal revenue 1, funding a range of government programs. Social Security benefits reach roughly 75 million Americans, while two-fifths of the population relies on Medicare or Medicaid coverage 1. Beyond these long-established programs, over 20 million individuals have enrolled in the Affordable Care Act since its implementation 1.
The legislative body has also established important constraints on executive power. In 1973, Congress passed the War Powers Act, which requires the president to seek congressional authorization within 60 days of initiating any military conflict 1. In 2023, the House of Representatives voted to expel Republican Representative George Santos, citing overwhelming evidence of misconduct 1. These actions reflect Congress's ongoing role in maintaining democratic accountability and institutional standards.
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