Tutor profile: Kathryn R.

What are the two chambers of Congress? How are they different?

The House of Representatives and the US Senate were established as equal partners in the legislative process. While legislation cannot become law without the consent of both houses, the constitution distributes several unique powers to each chamber. The House of Representatives derives its elected membership based on state population and presides over the federal budget and initiates impeachment proceedings. The US Senate is made up of two elected Senators from each state and is responsible for ratifying treaties and approving presidential cabinet appointments.

According to Marxist theory, what is socialism? How is it different from communism?

Marxists would consider socialism to be a temporary state of transition between capitalism and the realization of communism. Socialism seeks change and reform to capitalist structures through democratic processes. Whereas communism advocates for the violent overthrow of oppressive capitalist systems in order to achieve a pure communist state. Unlike communism, socialism favors individual effort and innovation, and allows individuals to own property. Under communism, there is no such thing as private property. All property is communally owned, and each person receives a portion based on need.

What were the intended functions of the US constitution?

The US constitution was designed with three purposes. First, to establish a national government consisting of a legislative, a judicial, and an executive branch to be held accountable through a system of checks and balances. Second, to define and protect the rights of American citizens. And third, to divide power between state and federal governments.