In the context of the American system of government, describe the advantages Congress has over the president.

What will be an ideal response?

Answers will vary. Congress has the advantage over the president in the areas of legislative authorization, the regulation of foreign and interstate commerce, and some budgetary matters. The president today proposes a legislative agenda and a budget to Congress every year. Nonetheless, only Congress has the power to pass the legislation and appropriate the money. The most the president can do constitutionally is veto an entire bill if it contains something that she or he does not like.Presidential popularity is a source of power for the president in dealings with Congress. Presidents spend a great deal of time courting public opinion, eyeing their "presidential approval ratings," and meeting with the press. Much of this activity is for the purpose of gaining leverage with Congress. Yet even when the president puts all of his or her persuasive powers to work in achieving a legislative agenda, Congress still retains the ultimate lawmaking authority.When government is divided-with at least one house of Congress controlled by a different party than the White House-the president can have difficulty even getting a legislative agenda to the floor for a vote.