Which of the following is considered a responsibility of the U.S. Congress?

The responsibility of creating and passing legislation is fundamental to the role of the U.S. Congress, which is composed of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. This process involves introducing, debating, amending, and voting on proposed laws. Legislation covers a wide array of issues, including domestic policies, economic regulations, social programs, and more, making it a critical function of Congress in shaping national governance and addressing the needs of the public.

While other options involve important government functions, they do not fall under the primary responsibilities of Congress. Conducting federal elections is primarily managed by state governments, overseen by various electoral bodies rather than Congress itself. Although Congress does have a role in overseeing the military, this is part of its broader responsibility for national defense, which is not as direct as the law-making process. Negotiating international treaties is a function reserved for the President, although Congress does play a role in ratifying treaties with its advice and consent, typically requiring a two-thirds majority in the Senate. Thus, the creation and passing of legislation stands out as a key responsibility of Congress.