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.