The checks and balances written into the Constitution helped create one
of the most democratic structures in our government, Congress, the
ideals of which has inspired numerous other countries' leaders since our
country's founding. However, with managing the opinions and views of so
many groups comes a complex structure that now, more than ever, each
American should try to understand. From the budget process to the
development of new legislation affecting our day-to-day life, this guide
concisely outlines the systems within Congress so any citizen can
understand them and more effectively participate as voters.