On November 3rd, most seats in the US Congress will be up for election. Since winning slight majorities in both houses two years ago, members of the Republican party have used Congress to routinely approve the president’s initiatives and to block those who seek to limit his power. In November, this balance could be restored: if the Democrats win enough seats, Trump’s power could change almost overnight. But what happens if the Republicans retain an even bigger majority?

In this edition of Let’s Ask, senior lecturer Early American History Mark L. Thompson will review the origins of the US Congress. In light of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, how did the founders of the US conceive the role of the legislative branch? Can the constitutional balance between the legislative and executive branches be restored? And if the Republicans win again, what will the future of the US look like?