Congress has five main functions: lawmaking, representing the people, performing oversight, helping constituents, and educating the public. The primary function of Congress is to pass rules that all Americans must obey, a function called lawmaking. Congress represents the people of the United States. Members serve their constituents, the people who live in the district from which they are elected. oversight. Committees regularly hold hearings and launch investigations to check for abuse and waste. Congress also engages in public education, informing the public about issues and what Congress intends to do or has done about them. Members do a variety of things to please and aid their constituents. Sometimes they support legislation that will help the district.
